The Iraqi forces are pushing further into the central parts of Mosul that are still being held by ISIS. They have been making significant progress over the past week following the full liberation of the strategically important Zanjili neighbourhood, which has given the forces access to the Old City, ISIS’ last stronghold in Mosul.

The Iraqi forces are nevertheless facing fierce resistance by ISIS militants as the group resorts to a number of diverse tactics to keep the army out. The use of car bombs, improvised explosive devices, snipers and individual fighter groups continue to block the progress of the military units.

The army is currently in the middle of the Shifa neighbourhood, which is considered to be the key to entering the Old City through Bab Sinjar on the northern side. Parts of the southern areas of the Old City are also in their control. ISIS is now besieged by the Iraqi forces from the north, west and south.

Civilians are still suffering due to the ongoing battle for the complete liberation of western Mosul. ISIS are executing those who attempt to escape their grip and reports of civilians being used as human shields and as tactical objects in booby-trapped buildings continue to come to light.

As areas continue to be liberated in Mosul, civilians are giving different reactions to the maintenance of their city. Some are keen on having a continued presence of the army within the city out for fear that ISIS may still be lurking and seeking to launch renewed attacks on areas that it has lost. Others are content with simply having the police to patrol these areas since they feel more at ease with those police forces that are from the same region as the civilians and who have a positive relationship with them.