Iraqi troops harden positions against snipers, suicide bombers

Iraqi troops harden positions against snipers, suicide bombers

MOSUL, Iraq — Iraqi troops on Sunday fortified their positions in Mosul neighborhoods retaken from the Islamic State group as their advance toward the city center was slowed by sniper fire and suicide bombings, as well as concern over the safety of civilians.

The government sent a half-dozen trucks loaded with food aid into the recently liberated areas.

Troops in those areas continue to be hit by mortar rounds, sniper fire and suicide bombers, he said.