(Source: CGTN)

An Iraqi commander expects to dislodge ISIL from Mosul in May despite resistance from militants in the densely populated Old City district.

The Iraqi army's chief of staff was quoted by a state-run newspaper saying that the battle should be completed "in a maximum of three weeks".

The commander's remarks came as ISIL lost most of the city since the offensive began in October, and is now surrounded in the northwestern districts.

Although progress has been made in regaining Mosul, over 400 thousand residents are believed to still be trapped under ISIL rule.