About 750,000 people trapped in western Mosul, OXFAM warns
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The British charity organization OXFAM on Tuesday warned an estimated 750,000 people were trapped in western Mosul without an escape from the Islamic State (IS) before the city’s military operation begins soon.
The organization mentioned the humanitarian conditions in western Mosul had been deteriorating since November 2016 after supply routes were blocked following the Iraqi security forces’ advance east of the city.
“OXFAM is deeply concerned for the safety of families trapped in western Mosul, and particularly the Old City where the narrow, densely-populated streets could become a death trap,” read the statement.
“The international agency is calling on the Iraqi-led coalition to continue to uphold the Prime Minister’s commitment to [prioritize] the protection of civilians in the military operations,” the report added.
On Oct. 17, 2016, Iraqi and Peshmerga forces launched a military offensive to liberate Mosul from the extremist group, occupied since June 2014.
Within the first three months of the operation, about 2,000 civilians were killed and wounded.
Additionally, over 190,000 people were forcibly displaced from Mosul, and around 30,000 have since returned to their homes.
“This next phase of fighting carries the highest stakes yet for civilians,” OXFAM’s Country Director in Iraq Andres Gonzalez stated.
“The idea that families could be trapped amid heavy fighting – particularly in the narrow streets of the Old City – without any safe means of escape is a terrifying prospect,” Gonzalez continued.
The organization called on the Iraqi security forces to avoid using heavy artillery in the populated areas such as mortars.
Moreover, the statement asked the armed forces to provide safe routes for civilians to be able to escape from battle zones.
OXFAM installed aid supplies to respond to a possible displacement of 250,000 people as the military operation to liberate the west of Mosul may begin soon.
They have provided civilians in southern Mosul villages with blankets, heaters, hygiene kits, and other essential needs.
According to the statement, the organization also plans to support trauma centers inside and around Mosul.
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany