In Iraq, a US battlefield commander says Iraqi forces will resume their advance on Mosul in the coming days. American troops will be deployed closer to the front line in the city for the operation's new phase. 

The commander says it will take as long as two years to eliminate Islamic State and its cells in Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi disagrees. He says it will take three months to chase ISIL out of Iraq. Dealing with ISIL cells and other militants in Iraq and Syria may take two years.

The operation to retake Mosul started more than two months ago. Troops are regrouping this month due to concerns over the possible harm to civilians.