Battle For The Iraqi City Of Baghdad -- News Updates January 16, 2017

Reuters: Iraqi forces battle Islamic State near Tigris river in Mosul

Iraqi special forces battled Islamic State militants in districts near the Tigris river in Mosul on Monday as they sought to bring more of the east of the city back under government control.

The latest clashes occurred in the neighboring Shurta and Andalus districts. At least three Islamic State suicide car bombs targeted Iraqi forces in Andalus. There was no immediate word on any casualties. In an online post, Islamic State said it had carried out a "martyrdom operation" in the area.

Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) said the militants, who seized Mosul in 2014 as they swept across much of northern Iraq, only to since lose much of that terrain to government counter-offensives, were fighting back hard.

"We've begun breaching (Shurta) but there was an attack a few moments ago. By the end of the day we'll make some progress," CTS spokesman Sabah al-Numan said.

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Battle For The Iraqi City Of Baghdad -- News Updates January 16, 2017

Iraqi soldiers make big

advances against ISIL militants in Mosul -- Euronews
Iraqi Troops Edge Deeper Into Mosul — With Caution -- NPR
Civilian casualties mount as Iraqi forces advance in Mosul -- AP
Army invades Shurta district in eastern Mosul -- Iraqi News
Iraqi army kills ISIS leader from Netherlands in Mosul -- RUDAW
Iraqi special forces sweep Mosul University for remaining militants: spokesman -- Reuters
Military: Mosul University fully liberated by Iraqi troops -- AP
Iraq forces retake IS-bombed 'Jonah's tomb' in Mosul -- AFP
Iraqi forces control Nabi Younis Shrine in eastern Mosul as ISIS runs -- RUDAW
Baghdadi says IS foreigners free to leave or carry out suicide attacks -- Iraqi News
Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in fear of his life 'sleeps in suicide vest' -- International Business Times
Iraqi Military Releases Footage of Foreign Daesh Militants’ Docs Found in Mosul -- Sputnik
Trapped by war, Mosul residents bury their dead wherever they can -- Reuters