WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As the deadline nears for U.S. troops to exit major Iraqi cities, units in Mosul are in the midst of a months-long operation to sweep out extremist fighters. U.S. troops have a deadline of June 30 to exit major Iraqi cities. The decision on whether to keep troops in the restive northern city beyond June 30 has been a sticking point between the United States and Iraq. Parts of the city remain under insurgent control and high-profile attacks continue, unlike the vast majority of the country. "We still have a major operation going inside of Mosul with all forces assisting and helping out. We expect that to end here within about 30 to 45 days, and then there will be a decision to be made," the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. Raymond Odierno, told reporters at the Pentagon on Friday.
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Parts of restive northern city remain under insurgent control, attacks continue
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Iraq says it will not extend June 30 deadline for U.S. troops to leave cities
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Mosul last major battleground since troop surge forced insurgents out of Baghdad
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Top U.S. commander in Iraq says potential exists for Iraqis to handle mission
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Insurgents were able to entrench in the city as U.S. and Iraqi forces cleared and held @placeholder and other regions.
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Five U.S. soldiers were killed on April 10 when a suicide bomber breached the outer security barrier of @placeholder National Police headquarters in southern Mosul.