A top military official has warned of 'fiercer' resistance as Baghad-led forces advance to the center of the city. Aid organizations have called for more support amid a looming humitarian crisis.
Image: picture-alliance/abaca/Y. Keles
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Iraqi forces on Monday seized Mosul's southernmost bridge, marking a strategic victory in Baghdad's campaign to liberate the city.
The damaged bridge links eastern Mosul, which Iraqi forces captured earlier this year, with the western part of the city, where thousands of so-called "Islamic State" (IS) militants are believed to be entrenched.
Iraqi Brigadier General Yahya Rasool told the AFP news agency that government-led forces have taken control of both sides of the bridge.
"The Rapid Response force and the federal police have liberated Jawsaq neighborhood and now control the western end of the fourth bridge," Rasool said.
In October, the Iraqi military, backed by Kurdish peshmerga forces, Shiite militias and a US-led coalition against the "Islamic State," launched a major offensive to reclaim the country's third-largest city.
The IS rose to notoriety in 2014, when it seized large swathes of land across Iraq and Syria, culminating in the capture of Mosul.
The city is a strategic stronghold for the militant group, where its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a so-called "caliphate" from a historic mosque.
As Iraqi forces continue to move towards Mosul's center, they have witnessed an increase in fighting from militants.
"The more we advance, the fiercer the resistance," said Lieutenant Colonel Abdel Amir al-Mohammedawi of the Rapid Response units fighting near the recaptured bridge.
What is the 'Islamic State'?
IS has gone from an obscure al-Qaida splinter group to a global phenomenon. DW takes a look at the defining aspects of the jihadi group — from its "caliphate" to its tactics.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/Al-Furqan
Where did it come from?
The "Islamic State" (IS) — also known as ISIL, ISIS and Daesh — is an al-Qaida splinter group with a militant Sunni Islamist ideology. It emerged in the aftermath of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and is led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Their goal is to create a worldwide "caliphate." It gained worldwide notoriety in 2014 after a blitzkrieg military campaign that resulted in the capture of Mosul.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo
Where does it operate?
IS is believed to be operational in more than a dozen countries across the world. It controls territories in Iraq and Syria. However, the group has lost much of the territory it controlled in Iraq and Syria at the height of its expansion in 2014.
Who is fighting back?
The US leads an international coalition of more than 50 countries, including several Arab nations. Russia, Iran and its Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah, which all support the Syrian government, also fight IS. Regional forces such as the Kurdish peshmerga (above) and US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters, fight IS on the ground. The Iraqi army and militia have pushed IS from large parts of the country.
Image: picture-alliance/abaca/H. Huseyin
How does it fund itself?
One of IS' main sources of income has been oil and gas. At one point, it controlled an estimated one-third of Syria's oil production. However, US-led airstrikes deliberately targeted oil resources and the Syrian government as well as US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters have retaken most oil wells. Other means of income include taxes, ransom, selling looted antiquities and extortion.
Image: Getty Images/J. Moore
Where does it carry out attacks?
IS has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks across the globe. The militant group has targeted capitals across the EU, including Berlin, Brussels and Paris. IS leaders have encouraged so-called "lone wolf" attacks, whereby individuals who support IS carry out terrorist acts without the direct involvement of the group.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/M. Spingler
What other tactics does it use?
The group uses various tactics to expand its power. IS fighters have looted and destroyed historical artifacts in Syria and Iraq in an attempt at "cultural cleansing." The group has also enslaved thousands of women from religious minority groups, including Yazidis. IS also uses a sophisticated social network to distribute propaganda and recruit sympathizers.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/J. Eid
How has it impacted the region?
IS has further exacerbated the ongoing Syrian conflict. Millions of Syrians and Iraqis have fled their homes, many traveling to Europe in pursuit of refuge. Although it has lost all of its strongholds, the militant group has left extraordinary destruction in its wake. Areas affected by the militant group's rule will likely take years to rebuild.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/D. Souleiman
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Looming humanitarian crisis
The fighting has prompted thousands to flee, with aid organizations warning of a humanitarian catastrophe that could displace hundreds of thousands.
The United Nations' World Food Program (WFP) said in a statement Monday that civilians are lacking food, water and access to basic healthcare.
"WFP is monitoring the frontline and remains ready to provide immediate food assistance as soon as families can be reached safely," said Sally Haydock, the country director for the organization's Iraq program.
"We appeal to all parties to the conflict to facilitate immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to all Iraqis in need of assistance," Haydock added.
Battle for Mosul: Iraqi army fights its way west
The battle for Mosul has been raging for months as the Iraqi army fights "Islamic State" militia. The new offensive aims to seize the city from the jihadi fighters.
Image: Reuters
Military target: west Mosul
Iraqi troops and their allies gained control of the portion of Mosul on the eastern side of the Tigris River in January. Now they aim to free western Mosul, where around 2,000 jihadis are said to have entrenched themselves.
Image: Reuters
Airport assault
Iraqi army soldiers took over Mosul's airport, providing them a gateway to the western part of the city. Holding the position will be crucial to Iraqi efforts to retake the rest of the Mosul.
Image: Reuters/Z. Bensemra
Ground and airstrikes
The army is not only advancing against IS with rockets, mortars and howitzers, they are also deploying drones, jets and helicopters to the frontlines. US soldiers are also participating in the battle.
Image: Reuters/A. Al-Marjani
IS goes underground
A few thousands IS fighters are fighting against some 10,000 Iraqi troops. But, skilled in guerrilla tactics, the militants familiar with what's left of the city. Iraqi troops above inspect an IS tunnel used by fighters who have been ready to conduct suicide attacks against government soldiers.
Image: Reuters/Z. Bensemra
A life in fear
The situation has grown increasingly dramatic for the citizens of western Mosul. Around 750,000 people are still trapped there. They lack the most basic necessities as water, food and fuel are scarce commodities.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/A. Al-Rubaye
Forced from home
This boy had to be evacuated from his village near Mosul. He is on his way to a relatively safe camp in the southern part of the city. UN aid organizations expect around 250,000 more people to flee the city.
