The regular Iraqi army has announced that it has recaptured the entirety of the eastern districts of the country's second city, Mosul, which had been in the hands of Isis fighters for years. The announcement was made on Wednesday 18 January, approximately three months after the start of the offensive launched alongside an international coalition that also includes the United States.

The battle of Mosul is not over

General Talib al-Sheghati held a press conference to issue the news, which was welcomed with satisfaction in Baghdad by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi: "The efforts of these brave forces," he declared, "have made it possible to achieve the objectives set on the eastern bank." The reference is to the bank of the River Tigris, which cuts the city in two. To the west, by contrast, Isis fighters still hold their positions firmly. This confirms that the capture of the eastern portion of the urban centre, however strategic, by no means signals the end of the battle of Mosul.

As reported by the broadcaster France Info, however, at least in the districts liberated from the Islamic fundamentalists "life is slowly resuming: the first shops are reopening, security is once again guaranteed." A resident of the al-Arabi district nonetheless pointed out that some Isis militants are still present in the liberated areas and capable of firing mortar rounds. Yahya Rasool, spokesman for the joint command, did in fact admit that — despite the announcement of liberation — "fighting will continue in some areas for a few more days."

Isis entrenched in a labyrinth of ancient alleyways

The next phase, in any case, looks set to be extremely delicate. In the western sectors of Mosul — that is, in the old city — Islamic State has concentrated the majority of its forces. Entrenched within a network of narrow alleyways that military vehicles cannot access. The situation is further complicated by the presence of residents.