How bad is the humanitarian crisis in Mosul?
750,000 Iraqis are trapped in the western part of the city as Iraqi forces fight house to house to force out ISIL.
A humanitarian crisis on the verge of stretching aid agencies to breaking point – that’s how the UN coordinator in Iraq describes the situation in western Mosul.
Around 150,000 Iraqis have been forced from their homes during the last month of fighting, with more expected.
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Many have found shelter in camps, which aid workers say are overwhelmed.
Iraqi forces are battling ISIL (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as ISIS) in western areas of Mosul.
ISIL fighters are resisting with car bombs, snipers and drones laden with grenades to slow down the Iraqi army advance.
Western Mosul, which includes the Old City, is densely populated with civilians who are caught in the cross-fire.
Will Mosul’s liberation end the plight of the displaced?
Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra
Guests:
Mouayad Al Windawi – Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies.
Melany Markham – Norwegian Refugee Council.
Renad Mansour – Chatham House
Published On 19 Mar 2017