Special forces have advanced on the eastern city limits of Mosul, tightening the noose as the offensive to retake the Islamic State stronghold enters its third week.

Elite counter-terrorism forces were facing mortar fire as they pushed from the Christian town of Bartalla towards Mosul's eastern suburbs. A lieutenant colonel of the Counter-Terrorism Service said the target is to retake Bazwaya and Gogjali, the last two villages before Mosul.