'Victory' over Daesh in Mosul to be announced in next hours

Destroyed buildings from clashes are seen during fighting between Iraqi forces and Daesh

Iraqi security forces expect to take full control of Mosul in the next hours as only a few meters are left under the control of Daesh, Iraqi state TV said on Saturday.

"We are seeing now the last meters (of the battle) and then victory will be announced," said a TV speaker, citing the channel's correspondents embedded with security forces battling in Daesh's redoubt in the Old City of Mosul, by the Tigris river.

"It's a matter of hours," she said.

A military spokesman cited by the TV said the insurgents' defense lines were collapsing.