Iraqi troops push towards central mosul from southeast

According to reports, Iraqi government forces, backed by coalition airstrikes, have launched a new push towards central Mosul from the southeast, aiming to retake the city from ISIS militants.

Here are some key details:

• The Iraqi army's 9th Armored Division, supported by federal police and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), began their advance on Saturday morning.
• The troops are moving from the southeastern district of Al-Zubair, which they had previously captured, towards the city center.
• The goal is to cut off ISIS supply lines and isolate the militants in the city, making it easier to launch a final assault on the city center.
• The push is part of a broader effort to retake Mosul, which has been under ISIS control since June 2014.
• The Iraqi government has been making slow but steady progress in the battle for Mosul, with the help of coalition airstrikes and ground support.

It's worth noting that the battle for Mosul is expected to be a long and difficult one, with both sides suffering significant casualties. The city is heavily damaged, and many civilians are still trapped in the city, making it a challenging and complex operation.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera: "Iraqi forces push towards central Mosul from southeast"
• Reuters: "Iraqi forces advance towards central Mosul from southeast"
• AP News: "Iraqi forces push towards central Mosul from southeast"