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 ›

Iraqi special forces 'enter' Islamic State-held Mosul

Iraqi special forces have reportedly 'entered' Islamic State-held Mosul. Credit: Reuters/Stringer

Iraqi special forces have entered the eastern outskirts of Mosul, according to an army general quoted by the Associated Press news agency.

The troops are reportedly advancing further into the city as fighting continues.

A major offensive to retake Mosul from so-called Islamic State (IS) militants began two weeks ago.

Fierce fighting has been taking place as Iraqi troops, backed by US-led coalition airstrikes, face stiff resistance from IS militants.

More on this story