Mosul battle: Iraqi special forces enter city limits

Iraqi forces have for the first time entered the eastern outskirts of Mosul, as they attempt to drive Islamic State (IS) militants from the northern city.

A BBC correspondent travelling with the Counter-Terrorism Service troops says they are facing very stiff resistance.

Rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire are being directed at them.

On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told IS militants inside Mosul, which they have held since June 2014, to “surrender or die”.

Speaking at a nearby airbase, Mr Abadi said government forces were approaching from all angles and would “cut off the head of the snake”.

BBC