Fewer than 1,000 jihadists left in embattled Mosul: coalition

The Islamic State group forces locked in battle with Iraqi troops for the northern city of Mosul are estimated to be down to fewer than 1,000 fighters, a spokesman for the US-led coalition said today.

Colonel Joe Scrocca, a spokesman for the Baghdad-based coalition, said IS had an estimated 2,000 fighters in west Mosul when the Iraqi push began in mid-February. "We believe it's less than half now," he said.