Advancing Iraqi Forces Say Islamic State Targeting Mosul Civilians With Bombs
Fighters with Iraqi forces in Mosul have told local media that retreating Islamic State militants have been setting bombs and using locals as human shields.In video recorded by the local Al Mawsleya network on May 17, one member of the Iraqi forces describes the injuries done by an IS bomb to a family in the city’s Rafai neighborhood, into which forces have been advancing from the north. The video shows several people receiving treatment.Reuters quoted a federal police commander in the city describing the same tactics, being used by Islamic State in an apparent effort to drive up civilian casualties in the wake of what Iraqi forces have said is an imminent victory in Mosul.