Iraqi forces worked to clear bombs and flush out any remaining jehadis in recaptured areas of west Mosul on Wednesday to set the stage for an offensive against the Old City.
Supported by US-led coalition air strikes, the forces have made steady progress in their battle to retake Iraq’s second city from the ISIS group, announcing the recapture of two more areas.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi vowed that he would “not hesitate” to strike jehadisin neighbouring countries as well if they posed a threat, after Baghdad carried out air raids in Syria last month.
Iraqi forces have recaptured a series of neighbourhoods in Mosul as well as the provincial government headquarters and the museum where IS militants infamously filmed themselves destroying priceless artefacts.