Iraqi troops break through Mosul’s outer perimeter

Iraqi forces entered Mosul’s city limits today, marking a significant milestone in the battle to retake the city from Islamic State militants. The U.S.-backed troops moved through the Gogjali neighborhood and took control of the nearby state television building, the only one in the province. A sandstorm blew up in the afternoon, prematurely halting the day’s advance. But even without the uncooperative weather, the Iraqi forces still have a long battle ahead of them. Experts predict the effort to retake Mosul, neighborhood by neighborhood, could take several months. While Islamic State fighters are mounting a spirited defense of their so-called capital, U.S. airstrikes are hampering their movements and preventing them from gathering in large groups. By the end of the day Tuesday, Iraqi troops were about 6 miles from Mosul’s city center.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.