Battle For The Iraqi City Of Mosul -- News Updates June 21, 2017

Reuters: Iraqi forces advance on Mosul mosque where IS declared caliphate

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces on Wednesday began a push towards the mosque in Mosul where Islamic State declared a self-styled caliphate three years ago, military officials said.

The forces had encircled the jihadist group's stronghold in the Old City of Mosul, where the medieval Grand al-Nuri Mosque is located, on Tuesday, they said.

The Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) were 200-300 meters (yards) away from the mosque, an Iraqi military statement said, a view supported by a senior commander of the international coalition fighting Islamic State.

The U.S.-led coalition is providing air and ground support to the Mosul offensive that started on Oct. 17.

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Battle For The Iraqi City Of Mosul -- News Updates June 21, 2017

Deep in Mosul, US forces support Iraq's fight -- AFP
IS blows up Mosul mosque where Baghdadi announced 'caliphate': commander -- AFP
Iraqi troops encircle Mosul's Old City -- Al Jazeera
Islamic State stronghold in Mosul 'surrounded by US-backed forces' -- SKY News
Iraqi forces advance on Mosul mosque where Daesh declared "caliphate" -- TRT World
Iraqi forces aim to retake Great Mosque of Mosul -- The Times
EXCLUSIVE: Embedded with Iraqi troops battling to retake Mosul from IS group -- France 24
Over 700,000 civilians displaced from western Mosul since February: Ministry -- Iraqi News
Nineveh council says feuds break out between Mosul civilians and IS families -- Iraqi News
Aid workers readying for Mosul exodus: UNHCR -- AFP
Mosul: Australian nurse describes life on the front line, treating patients caught in crossfire -- ABC News Online
Covering Mosul: a deadly city in a dangerous country -- AFP