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

RFE: Islamic State Territory In Mosul Shrinks, But Heavy Fighting Looms In Old City

Iraqi military officials say the territory controlled by Islamic State (IS) militants in western Mosul has been reduced to 8 square kilometers, but the area includes the Old City, where the heaviest fighting of the campaign is likely still to come.

Iraqi special forces on May 20 said their troops had taken the area assigned to them but added they were ready "to support any other forces if we are ordered to by the prime minister."

Local reports say the militant group is now clinging to three neighborhoods -- Al-Shafaa, Al-Zinjiji, and the Old City. The districts are aligned along the western bank of the Tigris River.

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

Iraq's special forces shrink IS stronghold in western Mosul -- AP
Iraqi special forces declare 'game over' for Isis in Mosul as

western districts retaken -- The Independent
Iraq forces make gains in Mosul after reclaiming western districts -- Independent.ie
Official: Iraqi forces control 97% of western Mosul -- Iraqi news
Iraqi forces fight to break through ISIS’ last five defenses in Mosul -- RUDAW
Iraqi security forces make final push for Mosul -- TRT
CTS commander says troops liberated 47 out of 74 districts in western Mosul -- Iraqi News
Iraqi Army closes in on complete Mosul victory as ISIS clings on to last three districts -- AMN Al-Masdar News
Iraqi forces intensify bombings and close in on Mosul's Old City -- NRT
Federal Police: 172 IS snipers killed since launch of western Mosul operations -- Iraqi News
Iraq president says scale of Mosul destruction ‘horrendous’ -- Washington Post/AP
UN says 200000 more people might flee Mosul -- NRT
Nearly 700,000 civilians forced to flee Mosul: UNICEF -- Daily Sabah