The Guardian: Mosul mosque where Isis declared caliphate 'has been recaptured
AP: In Mosul, Iraqi forces take landmark mosque blown up by IS
Iraqi forces claim to have recaptured the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself leader of the terror juggernaut Islamic State three years ago.
The seizure marks a highly symbolic moment in the war, placing government troops in the heart of the Old City the last redoubt of Isis in Mosul and probably within a fortnight of recapturing all of Mosul.
Baghdadi declared a caliphate from the mosque three years ago to the day 29 June 2014 at the height of the groups power.
Isis last week toppled the Hadba minaret adjoining the mosque, causing extensive damage to the surrounding compound. The fight for the terror groups last redoubt was grinding and savage, with Iraqi troops reporting house-to-house fighting with a battle-hardened enemy, which refused to surrender.
AP: In Mosul, Iraqi forces take landmark mosque blown up by IS
MOSUL, Iraq (AP) An Iraqi commander says his forces have taken Mosuls landmark al-Nuri Mosque compound that was destroyed by the Islamic State group last week.
Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saadi says special forces entered the compound and took control of the surrounding streets on Thursday afternoon, following a dawn push into the area.
Earlier, special forces Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridi warned the site will need to be cleared by engineering teams as IS fighters likely rigged it with explosives.
Iraqi forces are pushing through the last IS-held neighborhood in Mosul, the so-called Old City, to the west of the Tigris River.