IS captures 550 civilian families as human shields in Mosul

IS has captured 550 families from villages around Mosul as human shields to counter the Iraqi army's campaign to liberate the city.

“We are deeply concerned that IS is using civilians in the city and surrounding areas as human shields as Iraqi security forces make progress in liberating the city,” said Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Iraqi troops fire artillery at an IS position in Mosul. Photo: Reuters

“IS is carrying out plans to prevent civilians from evacuating to areas controlled by Iraqi security forces. We are also confirming information that at least 40 civilians were recently shot dead by IS.”

Kurdish and Iraqi security forces with air and ground support from the US-led international coalition are pursuing a campaign to take control of areas around Mosul, aiming to launch an assault on the last major IS stronghold in Iraq.

The United Nations affirmed that Iraq must also respect international law when carrying out the campaign, especially for civilians living near areas controlled by IS.

According to the statement of Iraqi army generals, the Government army has captured 8 villages in the South and Southeast of Mosul. Kurdish forces carrying out the campaign from the North and East have also captured some villages. The campaign to retake Mosul began earlier this week, expected to become the biggest battle in Iraq since 2003./.

According to VOV