Alalam - Iraq

Civilians were seen leaving as troops in armored vehicles took hold of the area.

More than 114,000 people have been displaced from Mosul so far, according to the United Nations.

Iraqi forces have retaken a quarter of the city since the Mosul offensive began in mid-October. Mosul is bisected by the Tigris river, and Iraqi forces have yet to enter the western side, where 2,000-year-old markets and narrow alleyways are likely to complicate any advance.

Anti ISIS Coalition forces bombed the last remaining bridge connecting east and west Mosul late on Monday (December 26) in an effort to block Islamic State's access across the Tigris River.

The operation to recapture the city has been slowed by concern to avoid casualties among civilians, who despite food and water shortages have mostly stayed in their homes rather than fleeing as was initially expected.

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