MORE ON MOSUL: An AP report. Islamic State fighters are conducting local counter-attacks and using “human shields” (hostages) to stall or stop Iraqi Army probes and advances.

…Iraqi Cpt. Naqib Jaff, who was covered in dust after helping to hold positions east of Mosul overnight, said the air support “hasn’t been enough” and that the coalition was only striking suicide car bombs. He said that in previous operations against IS-held towns and cities, civilians would be moved away from the front lines, allowing forces to advance. But he said in Mosul, his men have been ordered to keep families inside their homes. “We’ve never been in such a situation before. We would be fighting and there would be a family right next to us,” he said.