Iraqi special forces soldiers fire a mortar round at Islamic State fighters positions in Tahrir neighbourhood of Mosul, Iraq, November 17, 2016. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic
Reuters: Iraqi forces yet to seal off Mosul as battle enters second month
The U.S.-backed offensive to crush Islamic State in its last major city stronghold in Iraq entered a second month on Thursday as forces arrayed against the hardline Sunni group sought finally to seal off Mosul from all sides.
The militants have been steadily retreating from areas around Mosul into the city since the battle started on Oct. 17, with air and ground support from a U.S.-led coalition.
An elite army unit, the Counter Terrorism Service, breached the city's eastern limits for the first time two weeks ago. Other army units have yet to enter from the northern and the southern sides.
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MIDDLE EAST
1 month in, Iraq still faces grueling urban combat in Mosul.
Weather stalls Mosul offensive but deadly attacks continue. Mosul Iraq battle: Bad weather slows advance inside city.
Extensive cultural damage found in historic Iraqi city.
Baghdad, Kurds at odds over control of post-ISIL Mosul.
Russia says its strike in Syria killed 30 al-Qaida fighters.
Russia hopes for Trump new approach to Syria crisis: agencies.
Obama says will continue to try to affect change in Syria.
Turkey's NATO officials seek asylum in Germany amid Erdogan crackdown.
U.S., Iran clash over Tehran's testing of limit in nuclear deal.
Oldest Ten Commandments carving auctioned for $850,000 in US.
ASIA
Former U.S. officials meet with North Korea diplomats for informal talks.
China tells Trump climate change is not a Chinese hoax.
U.S. panel wants to ban China from buying American firms.
Taliban claims it downed second Afghan helicopter.
South Korea's Park may be questioned next week.
Philippines may pull out of ‘useless’ ICC, happy to join world order led by Russia, China – Duterte.
Refugee deal: United Nations to determine numbers to be resettled in US from Manus Island, Nauru
Testing times as South Korean students sit for college exam.
AFRICA
Dozen killed in South Sudan clashes.
East Libyan army claims control of long-contested Benghazi district. At least 20 troops dead in fighting in Libya's Benghazi, hospital says.
Boko Haram's onslaught against Cameroon waning, analyst says.
U.N. expert questions legality of 'brutal' mass evictions in Nigeria.
Anything that flies is an enemy': Filming al-Shabab with a drone.
Congo opposition figure Badibanga named PM of unity government.
Migrant crisis: 100 feared dead off Libya coast.
EUROPE
Kremlin 'awaits' signals from Trump's team to establish contacts.
France, Germany must lead way to prevent the rise of far-right and collapse of the EU, French PM says.
Brexit talks will take 'a lot longer' than two years, Eurogroup head says.
Refugees set Greek migrant camp on fire, loot nearby stores (VIDEO).
Hundreds more migrants dead or missing in recent shipwrecks: IOM.
Spain's Rajoy gets taste of challenges ahead as opposition unites.
Macron launches French presidential bid as polls show tight race.
AMERICAS
Here are the people whose names have been floated for Trump’s Cabinet.
Trump election: Obama urges Trump to stand up to Russia. For last time, Obama, Merkel meet as peers on world stage.
US election: Clinton wanted to curl up after Trump win.
Brazil corruption probe: Rio state ex-governor Cabral held.
Two Colombian FARC rebels killed in combat, military says.
Brazil: Protesters storm Congress seeking military rule.
Chilean public workers confront police outside presidential palace.
Trudeau: Trump victory will not erode strong Canada-Cuba relations.
Dakota Access: Controversial crude oil pipeline to be completed despite protests, company executive says.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Report: Jordanian Air Base shooting might be act of terrorism.
Yemeni bankers get in trouble over a customer, Al Qaeda.
Kosovo police 'foil IS attack' on Israeli football team.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Janet Yellen: US Fed could raise interest rates 'soon'.
JP Morgan pays $264m to settle China 'bribery' probe.
Claude Monet Grainstack painting fetches record $108.8m at auction in New York.
Largest US oil and gas discovery made - USGS.
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