Iraqi forces have seized more ground from ISIL in Mosul. <br /><br />The latest advances come after the US-backed coalition began its final push towards the 12th century mosque in the city where the so Islamic State declared its self-styled caliphate almost three years ago to the day. <br /><br />Months of fighting have left the sacred site in ruins. While the recent destruction by ISIL of the famous leaning minaret drew international condemnation, it has also been taken as a marker that fighting in Iraq’s second city is in the endgame. <br /><br />The Iraqi army says the jihadist group’s stronghold in the old city, where the medieval Grand al-Nuri Mosque is located, is now encircled. <br /><br />Officials say some 200 ISIL diehards continue to make a stand.<br />
