Reuters: Iraqi forces close in on IS redoubt in Mosul after declaring 'end of caliphate'
U.S.-backed Iraqi forces attacked Islamic State's remaining redoubt in Mosul's Old City on Friday, a day after formally declaring the end of the insurgents' self-declared caliphate and the capture of the historic mosque which symbolized their power.
Dozens of civilians fled in the direction of the Iraqi forces, mostly women and children, some wounded by insurgents fire, thirsty and tired.
Commanders of Iraq's CTS counter terrorism units cautioned that with the mostly non-Iraqi IS militants dug in among civilians and likely to fight to the death, the battle ahead was challenging.
CTS Major General Maan al-Saadi told Reuters it could take four to five days of fighting to capture the insurgents' redoubt by the Tigris River, defended by about 200 militants.
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MIDDLE EAST
Mosul victory in 'days' as pressure on IS mounts.
US-backed Syrian forces 'surround' ISIL in Raqqa. IS retakes Raqa district from US-backed forces: monitor.
OPCW probe: Sarin used in deadly April 5 attack in Syria.
New conflicts threaten Syria after Islamic State defeat.
New batch of Turkish troops arrives in Qatar.
Lebanon refugee camps hit by five suicide bombers.
It was 129 degrees in Iran Thursday, which is one of the Earth's hottest temperatures ever recorded.
ASIA
Trump, South Korean president hold post-dinner talks on NKorea policy.
US blacklists Chinese bank, company and two nationals to pressure Beijing to rein in Pyongyang.
China condemns US sanctions over 'North Korea funding'. China, US ties sour over N.Korea, Taiwan.
North Korea drought mobilizes workers to fight drought, bans travel.
Massive military parade for Xi as Hong Kong activists freed. Xi asserts authority over Hong Kong in PLA troop inspection.
Chinese boats attack Vietnamese fishermen in South China Sea.
Myanmar to block visas for UN delegation.
Former TEPCO executives face trial over Fukushima nuclear disaster.
AFRICA
UN agrees to draw down Darfur peacekeeping force.
Congo violence fuels fears of return to 90s bloodbath.
DR Congo skips independence parade amid security fears.
US 'concerned' over Sudan human rights record: embassy.
Libya's oil output nears 1 million bpd, highest in four years: source.
Egypt has blocked over 100 local and international websites including HuffPost and Medium.
EUROPE
Protests, policy rows, volatile leaders — welcome to the Hamburg G20 summit.
G20: Angela Merkel sketches vision of French and German-led Europe.
Merkel issues warning to Trump ahead of G20 summit.
Germany legalises same-sex marriage after Angela Merkel allows free vote.
Slovenia wins maritime border dispute, Croatia defiant.
Awkward farewell for Helmut Kohl, who united Germany but divided family.
Hitler's birthplace seizure backed by Austrian court.
AMERICAS
Trump travel ban comes into effect for six countries.
Trump to Senate Republicans: kill Obamacare now, replace later.
Senate revises Russia sanctions bill, sends it to House.
House passes 'Kate's Law' and bill targeting sanctuary cities.
Grassley: Why hasn't acting FBI chief recused himself on Flynn?
Susan Rice to testify before House Intelligence Committee: Report.
Top GOP senator wants vote on Trump's FBI nominee in July.
Brazil authorities seek arrest of 95 Rio de Janeiro police officers.
More Venezuelan children dying from preventable diseases amid crisis.
Mexico spyware scandal: Opposition politicians 'targeted'.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
NATO: We will do more to fight terrorism.
Terrorists use tech to their advantage, but it's time to stop them, UN expert says.
Ex-CIA agent convicted over imam kidnapping to face sentencing.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Global cyberattack seems intent on havoc, not extortion.
Germany's Bundestag passes law to fine social media companies for not deleting hate speech. Germany votes for 50m euro social media fines.
Could Apple's next big thing be a car?
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