In Iraq’s Battle with ISIS, Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Two years of living under the Islamic State (ISIS) and then caught in the middle of a raging battle. This is what life has been like for hundreds of thousands of civilians in Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city. The Iraqi central government and Kurdistan Regional Government, with the support of the United States-led international coalition, began military operations in October to retake the city.
When the fighting began, about 1.2 million civilians were in Mosul. Since then, at least 158,000 have fled to government-controlled areas. Iraqi authorities have reported that more than 5,000 civilians have been killed or wounded inside Mosul since the military operation began. The Iraqi forces have taken measures to protect civilians, but protecting civilians is not easy in the middle of military operations. Here are some of the accounts we heard from people in Mosul. As final preparations are underway for the battle to take western Mosul, their stories are a reminder of the importance of prioritizing civilian protection as the battle against ISIS continues.
When the fighting began, about 1.2 million civilians were in Mosul. Since then, at least 158,000 have fled to government-controlled areas. Iraqi authorities have reported that more than 5,000 civilians have been killed or wounded inside Mosul since the military operation began. The Iraqi forces have taken measures to protect civilians, but protecting civilians is not easy in the middle of military operations. Here are some of the accounts we heard from people in Mosul. As final preparations are underway for the battle to take western Mosul, their stories are a reminder of the importance of prioritizing civilian protection as the battle against ISIS continues.
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