Advertisement

  1. National

Poor weather hampers advance of Iraqi special forces into Mosul

Iraqi special forces are holding their positions along Mosul's eastern outskirts as poor weather hampers their advance into the city to oust the so-called Islamic State.

Military chief Brigadier General Haider Fadhil said they did not plan to make any further advance into the terrorist stronghold on Wednesday because clouds could obscure the view of aircraft and drones.

Troops have made a swift advance to the outskirts of Mosul in recent weeks. However they have warned it could take months to finally drive out IS from the city.

View all 42 updates ›

Airstrikes hit Islamic State positions as Mosul battle rages

Iraqi special forces are about 1km from Mosul's eastern edge. Credit: Reuters/Stringer

Airstrikes are being used in the battle to take Mosul from so-called Islamic State (IS) fighters in Iraq, as soldiers try to breach the eastern edge of the city.

US-led coalition jets are supporting Iraqi special forces in the fight as they advance on the IS stronghold.

Iraqi troops and their allies have been bombarding IS positions on the edge of Mosul's Gogjali neighbourhood with heavy artillery, tanks and machine gun fire according to Associated Press news agency.

In the nearby village of Bazwaya, which Iraqi forces entered on Monday, smoke was seen rising from buildings where shells were landing.

More on this story