Iraqi forces have gained a foothold in new neighbourhoods in Mosul's eastern half, as international coalition fighter jets continue to target "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) positions in the city on Tuesday (December 13th), the Ninawa Operations Command said.

"Iraqi forces have advanced towards al-Maaredh and al-Mazareh neighbourhoods, east and south-east Mosul, and are fighting violent battles against ISIL," Ninawa Operations Commander Nejim Eddin Karim al-Jubury told Diyaruna.

Army and Counter-Terrorism Service forces have taken positions in parts of these neighbourhoods, he said, adding that "they are cautiously trying to advance in the coming hours out of concern for the safety of civilians".

Meanwhile, international coalition fighter jets hit several ISIL gatherings, killing and wounding scores of the group's fighters, he said.

Iraq's Ministry of Migration and Displacement said Monday the number of people who have been displaced from Mosul since the start of the Ninawa liberation operations has reached 103,000 individuals.