Iraqi forces advance into Mosul under fire, one soldier killed

Iraqi troops advanced into eastern districts of Mosul yesterday, facing stiff resistance from Islamic State militants a day after they paused their assault due to poor visibility, officers said

A car bomb explodes next to Iraqi special forces armoured vehicles in Mosul. Pic/AP/PTI

Mosul: Iraqi troops advanced into eastern districts of Mosul yesterday, facing stiff resistance from Islamic State militants a day after they paused their assault due to poor visibility, officers said.

Airstrikes, automatic fire and artillery were heard from dawn and one soldier was killed in clashes. Civilians, some of them wounded, could be seen fleeing the fighting.

The Iraqi forces aim to take complete control of the city's Tahrir area and from there move into the adjacent Muharabeen district.

Iraqi forces launched the operation a month ago but have only advanced into a few eastern districts. They have faced resistance, with suicide bombers driving armour-plated vehicles with explosives.

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