UN: '180,000 civilians still in' Daesh-held Mosul areas

By Fatih Erel

GENEVA (AA) - Nearly 800,000 civilians have fled northern Iraq’s Mosul city since the start of the military operation in February while an estimated 180,000 others remain in Daesh-controlled areas, according to UN figures on Tuesday.

Iraq has been roiled by violence since Daesh seized vast swathes of territory in northern and western Iraq in 2014. Iraqi forces, backed by air cover from a U.S.-led coalition, are currently engaged in a widespread offensive to dislodge Daesh from Mosul, the terrorist group’s last stronghold in Iraq.

In a statement, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said: "Humanitarian concerns remain high for the protection of an estimated 180,000 civilians still in Daesh-controlled areas in Mosul.

"Since the start of the military operation in western Mosul on 19 February, nearly 600,000 civilians have fled western Mosul city."

According to latest UN statistics, apart from western Mosul, another 200,000 civilians have fled from other parts of the city since the start of the military operation seven months ago.

"Humanitarian and protection needs remain severe, both among displaced families and vulnerable residents of newly re-taken and accessible areas. As shortage of clean drinking water is a significant concern in Mosul city," the UN office added.