In Iraq, forces faced stiff resistance today from Islamic State militants as they pushed deeper into eastern Mosul, backed by aerial support from the US-led international coalition.<br/><br/>At dawn, troops moved into the Muharabeen and Ulama neighbourhoods after fully liberating the adjacent Tahrir neighbourhood yesterday.<br/><br/>Maj Gen Sami al-Aridi of the Iraqi special forces said, IS militants were fighting back with snipers, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar rounds. <br/><br/>Thick black columns of smoke were seen billowing from the two areas, while dozens of civilians were seen fleeing to government-controlled areas.