The loss of Mosul is a "decisive blow" against the Islamic State group, but does not mark the end of the war against the jihadists, the US-led coalition said Monday.

"This victory alone does not eliminate (IS) and there is still a tough fight ahead. But the loss of one of its twin capitals and a jewel of their so-called caliphate is a decisive blow," Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, the commander of the US-led operation against IS, said in a statement.