Iraqi special forces have resumed their offensive against ISIL in eastern Mosul after several days of relative calm.

Officials of the elite Counter-Terrorism Service say their troops are engaging ISIL fighters in Arbajiyah, an area in the east of the city. The first row of buildings there has been seized from militants.

It's nearly four weeks since government forces launched a huge offensive to retake Iraq's second largest city, which is ISIL's last major stronghold in the country. Stiff resistance has slowed the operation down after a strong start for the campaign.