Forces advance on city’s southern edge

> Iraqi forces were blasting their way to the southern edge of Mosul. > The forces backed by jets and gunships retook Al Buseif, a village which Daesh had used as its main base south of Mosul, on Monday > It was cleared successfully and in record time > Many Daesh fighters were killed in Monday’s battle. > Iraqi forces tunnels discovered and equipment recovered. > The Couter-Terrorism Service (CTS), whose troops are Iraq’s most seasoned, were seen moving across lines on Monday towards Mosul’s city limits. > US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, who visited Baghdad on Monday, was also confident that the Iraqi security forces would have the upper hand. > Iraqi forces, on their way to advance on enemy positions, were greeted and supported by local Iraqi villagers