(VOVworld) - Iraq’s special forces entered the outskirts of Mosul on Tuesday and were advancing toward its more urban center despite fierce resistance by IS fighters who hold the city.

Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) take part in an operation against Islamic State militants on the outskirts of the town of Hammam Al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq October 31, 2016. REUTERS/Stringer

Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridi of the Iraqi special forces said troops have entered Gogjali, a neighborhood inside Mosul’s city limits, and were only 800 yards from the more central Karama district. Iraq’s Joint Operation Command (JOC) said Iraqi forces have freed villages to the west of Mosul, and the Hashd Shaabi armed force of the Shi’ite group has confronted IS gunmen outside Mosul.
They are advancing to Tal Afar, about 100 km west of Mosul to cut the aid route between Mosul and Syria.