Iraqi forces slowed by bad weather as they advance on Mosul

Iraqi forces have paused their advance into Mosul due to bad weather, a month after launching an offensive to retake the city from so-called Islamic State, the BBC said.

The BBC added that a general said poor visibility was limiting the ability of aircraft to provide cover, adding that troops would secure eastern areas they had entered.

IS militants were putting up fierce resistance, using snipers, booby traps and suicide car bombs, the BBC stated.

Seven civilians were reportedly killed by mortar fire in one recaptured area, it indicated.

Mosul, which was captured by IS in June 2014, is the jihadist group’s last major urban stronghold in Iraq, according to the BBC.