Iraqi state TV said security forces have started counting down the hours to take full control of Mosul on Saturday.

After months of intense fighting and airstrikes that have devastated the country's second biggest city, Iraqi forces said ISIL defensive lines are collapsing now. 

Nearly a million people have fled the city and little remains of many of their homes. 

Thousands of civilians have been killed. While some troops celebrate, there are still reports of fierce resistance from ISIL militants.