The day’s fighting has been the most intense urban combat in Mosul since the Iraqi offensive began over two weeks ago to drive ISIL from the city, Iraq’s second-largest. RelatedThe early morning push began with artillery and mortar strikes on the Aden, Tahrir, and Quds districts, just west of the special forces’ footholds in the Gogjali and Karama neighbourhoods, al-Timimi said. Both sides opened up with small arms and mortar fire after an artillery barrage by the special forces, ahead of their advance. ISIL is fighting to hold Mosul as Iraqi forces and allied Kurdish troops squeeze in from all directions with U.S.-led coalition support, mostly from airstrikes and reconnaissance. Iraqi forces have made uneven progress in closing in on the city since the operation began on Oct. 17.

Source: National Post November 04, 2016 16:28 UTC