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Iraqi forces advance closer to Mosul
The forces are approaching Mosul from the south, east and north, with the support from the US-led coalition. They have so far seized several towns and villages near the city
Iraqi and Kurdish forces are closing in on Iraq's second largest city of Mosul, a week after they started a massive offensive to recapture the city from the Islamic State group.
The forces are approaching Mosul from the south, east and north, with the support from the US-led coalition. They have so far seized several towns and villages near the city.
They say a Kurdish unit has come within 9 kilometers of the city.
Mosul has been under the control of the Islamic State group for more than 2 years, but it is now the group's last major stronghold in Iraq.
The militants have put up fierce resistance, staging suicide car bomb attacks and detonating bombs in buildings and beneath roads.
They have also carried out attacks over the past week in the capital, Bagdad, and the northern city of Kirkuk, in an apparent diversionary tactic.
It is feared the Islamic State militants may use civilians as human shields. Fighting in city districts could result in heavy civilian casualties and prompt many residents to flee their homes.