Iraqi forces continue to pound ISIL positions in the city of Mosul, the last militant stronghold in the Iraq.
This is the second phase of the offensive, which began in October.
Iraqi forces have launched the second phase of Mosul offensive against Islamic State: https://t.co/jlBBUEWF2D pic.twitter.com/laPSfNbmBX— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) December 29, 2016
The US-led coalition has confirmed that Iraqi forces have advanced in three directions and opened up two fronts in the city.
The Iraqi military now has a foothold in the east of the city.
Iraqi forces launch fresh offensive to retake Mosulhttps://t.co/XXOTQSGLyo pic.twitter.com/Lqx1hq392u— Press TV (@PressTV) December 29, 2016
The fresh offensive follows weeks of inactivity as reinforcements were deployed to bolster existing troop numbers.
The assault is not without controversy all five bridges that once spanned the River Tigris have been destroyed cutting off supplies to and escape from the city.
#BREAKING
- 2nd phase of the #MosulOffensive has been launched
- Most up-to-date map detailing #Mosul's territorial-control distribution pic.twitter.com/S7rV9yHztM— Democratic Syria ✍愛 (@ShamiRebel) December 29, 2016
ISIL claim that a coalition strike on a hospital car park has resulted in civilian casualties including women and children.
Amid military offensive, Christians around Mosul are celebrating Christmas (Photo: GettyImages) More celebrations: https://t.co/4Zrw9ktt7W pic.twitter.com/wz4pPBemcF— Jessica Durando (JessicaDurando) December 25, 2016
The coalition has admitted the attack claiming a van launching rocket propelled grenades had been targeted.
Only later did it come to light that the parking facility was part of a hospital compound.
