Elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces made some advances against the militants in some areas of western Mosul later in the day, a defence spokesman said, despite a hold on operations by other units.
Families meanwhile streamed out of the northern Iraqi city in a continuing exodus of people fleeing in their thousands each day, headed for cold, crowded camps or to stay with relatives.
The US-backed offensive to drive ISIL out of Mosul, now in its sixth month, has recaptured most of the city. The entire eastern side and around half of the west is under Iraqi control.
But advances have stuttered in the past two weeks as fighting entered the narrow streets of the Old City, and the militants put up fierce resistance using car bombs, snipers and mortar fire against forces and residents.
Iraqi defence ministry spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool said new strategies were being discussed by the joint operations command.
“In the next few days we will surprise Daesh terrorists by targeting and eliminating them using new plans,” he said.
He did not elaborate, but an officer of the federal police, which is fighting the extremists in the Old City along with the interior ministry’s elite Rapid Response forces, said the new tactics would include deploying additional sniper units against ISIL sharpshooters.
Brig Gen Rasool said CTS forces had advanced in tough, building-to-building battles to recapture areas outside the Old City including Al Yabsat.
ISIL fighters had been positioning car bombs, and forcing residents to move furniture into the streets which the militants were booby-trapping to slow Iraqi advances. ISIL fighters have stationed themselves in homes belonging to Mosul residents to fire at Iraqi troops, often drawing air or artillery strikes that have killed civilians.
They have also launched counter-attacks, sometimes pinning down Iraqi forces on the southern edges of the Old City. Cloud cover and rain in recent weeks have prevented effective air support, military officials say.
As the battle continues, more civilians are being killed or displaced.
Local officials and residents said on Thursday dozens of people were buried in collapsed buildings after an air raid against ISIL triggered a massive explosion last week.
Outside the city on Friday, hundreds of displaced people poured out of Mosul, walking through the mud with suitcases and bags.
One man said that ISIL snipers had shot at those fleeing, and some had been killed in explosions.
Residents said the situation inside the city is worsening with no drinking water or electricity and no food coming in.
* Reuters
