Iraqi forces faced stiff resistance from Islamic State in northwest Mosul today. This comes after the forces opened a new front against the militants to rout them from the city after seven months of fighting.<br/> <br/>Trapped in a steadily shrinking area of the city, the militants are fighting back with a barrage of suicide car bombs and snipers concealed amongst hundreds of thousands of civilians they are effectively holding hostage.<br/> <br/>Having gained a foothold in the northern Musherfa district last week, Iraqi forces are trying to push down into the handful of remaining districts held by Islamic State in Mosul, including the Old City.