Hundreds leave Mosul as Iraqi Army struggles to retake city
By REUTERS
Published: JUNE 24, 2017 20:55
Iraqi forces freed hundreds of civilians in Mosul Old City as troops battled to retake the ancient quarter from Islamic State militants, mounting a last stand in what was the de facto capital of their "caliphate." 100,000 civilians, half believed to be minors, were still trapped in the city with little food, water, or medical aid. Iraqi authorities say Islamic State prevented inhabitants from leaving so they could use them as human shields.
