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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.

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Iraqi troops filmed gathering on outskirts of Mosul

Iraq's special forces are encircling Mosul as fighting intensifies in areas around the edges of the city.

Forces from the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU) are reportedly making progress despite fierce resistance by so-called Islamic State (IS) fighters who still hold the centre of the city, an Iraqi general told Associated Press.

Footage showed PMU vehicles and soldiers undertaking operations southwest of Mosul and advancing toward capturing the town of Tal Afar.

Tal Afar, a town west of Mosul, was taken over by IS in 2014.

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Poor weather hampers advance of Iraqi special forces into Mosul

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