Iraq forces fight way into Mosul: True liberation has begun – top commander

BARTALLA, Iraq: Iraqi forces fought their way into jihadist-held Mosul on Tuesday, the military said, as a top commander declared the “true liberation” of the city from the Islamic State group had begun.

Just over two weeks into the massive offensive to retake Mosul -- IS’s last major stronghold in Iraq -- soldiers managed to push within city limits. Troops had “entered the Judaidat Al-Mufti area, within the left bank of the city of Mosul,” said the Joint Operations Command.