The commandos of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) have ended operations to clear the districts of Al-Zahraa, Al-Samah, Kirkukli, Al-Intisar, Al-Malayin and Khadra in eastern Mosul after several days of fierce clashes with the ISIS militants.

But as the Iraqi joint forces move further into the city, bomb attacks and sniper assaults from militants are making their advance increasingly difficult.

"The combat experience of extremists is not enough for them to deter the security forces. But the militants are still resorting to three means for stop iraqi forces advancment or attacks.

First is the use of fortification defense like bombings, tunnels, and booby traps; second is car bomb; and third is through long-distance attacks by ISIS snipers," said Saed Al Jiyashi, an Iraqi military expert.

Currently, thousands of civilians are still trapped in the southern part of Mosul, many being used as human shields by the extremists. How to protect innocent civilians during crossfire remains a challenge that has slowed down the advance, said Al-Jiyashi.

The fight is getting more complicated as militants are moving to western Mosul where dense constructions and narrow streets make it difficult for advancing troops.

"Many militants are gathering along the west Tigris River bank. They had withdrawn from southern and eastern Mosul. The west bank is crowded with buildings, and it's possible that the extremists are using this as a tactic for stalling the Iraqi troops and dragging down their spirit," said Al-Jiyashi.

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