<br/><br/>Iraqi troops in Mosul have battled their way to the Tigris River running through the centre of town, marking a milestone in the nearly three-month-old offensive aimed at reclaiming the northern city from Islamic State militants.<br/><br/>Lt Gen Abdul-Amir Rasheed Yar Allah said that special forces reached the river late Sunday and now control the eastern side of one of the city's five bridges, all of which have been disabled by U.S.-led airstrikes in support of the offensive.<br/>'<br/>Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the recent advances were big achievements for all the factions of the Iraqi security forces.'<br/><br/>The Mosul offensive resumed last month after a two-week lull due to stiff IS resistance and bad weather. Since then, Iraqi forces have recaptured new areas in the city's eastern half after receiving enforcements.<br/>