A civilian kisses a federal police officer after escaping Islamic State territory in the town of Abu Saif, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Iraqi forces advanced into the southern outskirts of Mosul in a push to drive Islamic State militants from the city's western half, as the visiting U.S. defense secretary met with officials to discuss the fight against the extremists.(AP Photo/Bram Janssen)
A civilian kisses a federal police officer after escaping Islamic State territory in the town of Abu Saif, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Iraqi forces advanced into the southern outskirts of Mosul in a push to drive Islamic State militants from the city's western half, as the visiting U.S. defense secretary met with officials to discuss the fight against the extremists.(AP Photo/Bram Janssen) Credit: Bram Janssen

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces prepare for fierce fight in Mosul