Baghdad, Nov 1 (IANS): Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi on Tuesday said that forces are very close to liberate the city of Mosul, noting that the only option for the Islamic State (IS) extremists now was to surrender or die.

In remarks to the official Al-Iraqiya Television station, during his inspection of the military units deployed south of Mosul, al-Abadi underlind that the miliatnts have no way out, Efe news reported.

He added that the Iraqi forces have reached Mosul, second largest city in Iraq, to free it. 

The Prime Minister explained that after the liberation of Mosul, extremists would not be able to resist in other IS enclaves.

In his speech, he said that the armed forces and their allies were advancing in all villages and areas.

He also addressed the Iraqi political leaders, asking them to put aside their differences, at least until the end of the offensive.

The major offensive to recapture Mosul from the IS began on October 17.