Iraqi forces pressed forward today with a broad offensive targeting Islamic State group-held areas in west Mosul and called for civilians to leave areas where fighting is taking place. <br/><br/>More than seven months into the massive operation to recapture Mosul from IS, Iraqi forces have retaken the city's east and large parts of its western side, but the terrorists are still putting up tough resistance. <br/><br/>Joint Operations Command spokesman Yahya Rasool said IS is using explosives-rigged vehicles and snipers and suicide bombers to target Iraqi forces.<br/><br/>The battle for Mosul has taken a heavy toll on civilians, pushing hundreds of thousands to flee, while hundreds more have been killed or wounded.