Iraqi government forces have resumed their push towards western Mosul, the last major stronghold of Daesh in Iraq, the BBC reported.

Artillery fire could be heard in the distance.

Launching the operation on Sunday, the army seized several villages.

The eastern part of the city was liberated from Daesh last month after heavy fighting.

Thousands of troops are involved in the assault, backed by artillery and air power.

Their progress has been slowed down by huge improvised explosive devices planted by IS along the route of the offensive, our correspondent says.

Bomb disposal teams are being used to clear them.

Source: MENA