Reuters: Islamic State cornered in Mosul as Iraq prepares victory celebrations
Islamic State fighters were battling to hold on to the last few streets under their control in the Old City of Mosul on Monday, in what looked like a hopeless last stand in their former stronghold.
In fierce fighting, Iraqi army units forced the insurgents back, cornering them in a shrinking rectangle no more than 300 meters (yards) wide and 500 meters long by the Tigris river, according to a map published by the military media office.
Smoke covered parts of the Old City, rocked by air strikes and artillery salvos through the morning.
The number of Islamic State (IS) militants fighting in Mosul has dwindled from thousands at the start of the government offensive more than eight months ago to a mere couple of hundred now, according to the Iraqi military.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraq battles last jihadists in Old Mosul. Mosul: Iraqis prepare to celebrate victory over Islamic State as final battles rage blocks away.
IS women suicide bombers hit back in Mosul; 15 die in Iraq.
Iraqis mark first anniversary of devastating Baghdad blast.
U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces reinforce front lines in Raqqa. US-backed force enters Syria's Raqa from south: monitor.
Qatar given more time to respond to Gulf neighbours' demands. Qatar deadline extended by 48 hours: Saudi. Qatar defiant as Saudi extends deadline to resolve Gulf rift.
Qatar hands over response to Saudi-led demands to Kuwait.
Trump speaks to Gulf leaders, urges unity.
ASIA
'Serious military provocation': China angered by US presence in South China Sea. US warship near S. China Sea island 'provocation': China.
Taliban kill 13 pro-government fighters in north Afghanistan.
Two rebels killed in Indian Kashmir firefight.
Militants cling on to hundreds of buildings in besieged Philippine city.
Rodrigo Duterte threatens to jail martial law critics.
Obama slams North Korea's nuclear weapon pursuit and warns they 'must face consequences' as he speaks in Seoul after wrapping up his ten-day family vacation in Indonesia.
PNG election: Voting delay an 'embarrassment, humiliation', former NZ governor-general says.
Japan PM Abe set for huge loss in Tokyo assembly vote: exit polls.
Modi set to become first Indian PM to visit Israel.
Xi Jinping to meet Putin in Moscow for 3rd time this year to strike $10bn worth of deals.
Thailand: 60,000 workers flee over new labour laws.
AFRICA
West African and French leaders launch Sahel force.
Suspected Boko Haram militants kill nine, abduct dozens in Niger.
At least 15 killed in fresh C. Africa clashes: source.
Sudan extends ceasefire in 3 conflict zones. Sudan extends ceasefire ahead of expected lifting of U.S. trade embargo.
Aid workers warn of 'devastating' cholera outbreak in South Sudan.
Somaliland's children dying as drought and border dispute create fatal mix.
Europeans vow more help to stem Libya-Italy migrant flow.
EUROPE
Avignon shooting: Eight injured near French mosque.
Nationalist charged for plotting to attack Macron on Bastille Day.
Tension remains high between EU-NATO and Russia.
Putin plans series of meetings during G20 summit.
Trump says he will speak with German, French officials on Monday.
Trump, Merkel plan to meet Thursday ahead of G20: Berlin.
Portuguese president speaks out over stolen weapons arsenal.
Poll shows most Swedes oppose NATO membership.
German bus accident: 'Numerous' fatalities.
AMERICAS
Protesters rally in dozens of cities to call for Trump’s impeachment. House Democrat speaks at Trump impeachment march in Los Angeles.
GOP leaders have few sure votes on debt ceiling.
GOP voters blame Congress, not Trump, for lack of progress.
Trump tweets mock video of him beating CNN, sparks criticism.
Venezuelan government accused of illegal detentions.
Poll shows Fernandez bloc tied in Argentina congressional elections.
Colombian rebel leader in intensive care after stroke. Colombia: Farc leader Timochenko recovering from stroke.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Foreign jihadist media group rallies against West in video.
Daesh executes top preacher for alluding to Baghdadi’s death.
Nikki Haley worries Iran will give nuclear weapons to terrorists.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
France's Total to sign Iran gas deal delayed by sanctions.
China's $9tn bond market opens up to foreign investors.
Tesla says its Model 3 car will go on sale on Friday.
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