In the struggle to maintain control of Mosul's liberated areas, Iraq's army routinely faces off against ISIL militants - sometimes positioned mere meters away.

A rooftop sniper position. Controlled by Iraqis facing off against ISIL?

"Just on the other side is Daesh"

On the street below, civilians caught in the middle.

"Get down! Get down! Get down!"

ISIL operatives fire back.

Wounding an Iraqi soldier.

As the wounded sniper is evacuated, an order comes from the nearby command position.

"Withdraw. Withdraw. Do Not Remain in Close Proximity". "Yes Sir. Okay.

Taking back Mosul from ISIL is a tedious, slow battle. Hanging onto it, in the short term, may also prove to be tenuous.