Iraqi forces pause Mosul push over concern for civilian casualties

Iraqi government forces paused in their push to recapture western Mosul from ISIS "militants" on Saturday because of the high rate of civilian casualties, a security forces spokesman said.


Residents escaping the besieged area have told of Iraqi and US-led coalition air strikes demolishing buildings and killing numerous civilians.

The insurgents have also used civilians as human shields and opened fire on them as they try to escape ISIS-held neighborhoods, fleeing residents said.

The US-backed offensive to drive ISIS out of Mosul, now in its sixth month, has recaptured most of the city. The entire eastern side and about half of the west is under Iraqi control.
 [alarabiya.net/Reuters]
25/3/17
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