Iraqi forces continue to pound ISIL positions in the city of Mosul, the last militant stronghold in the Iraq.<br /><br /> This is the second phase of the offensive, which began in October.<br /><br /> Iraqi forces have launched the second phase of Mosul offensive against Islamic State: https://t.co/jlBBUEWF2D pic.twitter.com/laPSfNbmBX— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) December 29, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> The US-led coalition has confirmed that Iraqi forces have advanced in three directions and opened up two fronts in the city.<br /><br /> The Iraqi military now has a foothold in the east of the city. <br /><br /> Iraqi forces launch fresh offensive to retake Mosulhttps://t.co/XXOTQSGLyo pic.twitter.com/Lqx1hq392u— Press TV (@PressTV) December 29, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> The fresh offensive follows weeks of inactivity as reinforcements were deployed to bolster existing troop numbers.<br /><br /> The assault is not without controversy all five bridges that once spanned the River Tigris have been destroyed cutting off supplies to and escape from the city.<br /><br /> #BREAKING <br /><br />- 2nd phase of the #MosulOffensive has been launched<br /><br />- Most up-to-date map detailing #Mosul's territorial-control distribution pic.twitter.com/S7rV9yHztM— Democratic Syria ✍愛 (@ShamiRebel) December 29, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> ISIL claim that a coalition strike on a hospital car park has resulted in civilian casualties including women and children.<br /><br /> Amid military offensive, Christians around Mosul are celebrating Christmas (Photo: GettyImages) More celebrations: https://t.co/4Zrw9ktt7W pic.twitter.com/wz4pPBemcF— Jessica Durando (JessicaDurando) December 25, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> The coalition has admitted the attack claiming a van launching rocket propelled grenades had been targeted.<br /><br /> Only later did it come to light that the parking facility was part of a hospital compound.<br />
