In Iraq, forces have made fresh progress in the battle against Islamic State terrorists in Mosul. Army spokesman said, Elite troops captured al-Muthana, a key district in the city's east, putting them in a position to take higher ground nearby.<br/><br/>It comes days after the forces began the second phase of a push to conquer the last major IS stronghold in Iraq. Officials said, about two-thirds of east Mosul has been retaken since October.<br/><br/>The commander of the US-led coalition against IS said, Iraqi forces were gaining momentum in Mosul after the campaign had almost ground to a halt by December in the face of fierce resistance by IS.<br/><br/>The offensive to recapture the city of Mosul was launched on 17 October, more than two years after the IS overran the city before seizing control of much of northern and western Iraq.