Iraqi special forces fighting Islamic State have reached the eastern bank of the Tigris river in a U.S-backed offensive to capture the city of Mosul from the militants, who still control its entire western half Iraqi forces reach Tigris in battle for Mosul

IRAQ
Mosul

Iraqi government forces
Islamic State group (IS)
Advance of Iraqi troops
Bridges put out of action
by coalition air strikes

Old Bridge

Jan 8: Iraqi forces reach Tigris from eastern side of  Fourth Bridge

Barricades erected by IS across southern edge of city

Buildings razed to clear line of sight

MOSUL
Tigris
Mosul University
Baladiyat
Kindi military base
Great Mosque
Airport
Municipality of Mosul
Nineveh ruins

Muthana
Sukkar
Salam Hospital
1.25 miles
2km

Sources: Institute for the Study of War, Stratfor, Wire agencies
Picture: Google Earth