IS use of human shields complicates Mosul offensive
The civilian death toll is rising as IS militants use human shields in their ruthless defense of western Mosul.![](https://cdn.iraqoilreport.com/wp-content/uploads/Qayarah-Nov-21-4-kid3f-800x533.jpg)
Boys walk past the ruins of a football stadium destroyed by IS militants in Qayarah town, Nov. 21, 2016. (PATRICK OSGOOD/Iraq Oil Report)
ERBIL - Umm Sarah could hardly believe it: weeks after militants from the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) executed her husband and threw her family onto the street, they invited her back into her home in western Mosul.
"I was informed by IS that I was allowed to reclaim my house and resettle in it," Umm Sarah said by phone from inside IS-held western Mosul, using a pseudonym. "I was in disbelief when IS provided my kids and me with food, supplies, and financial aid."
This content is for registered users. Please login to continue.
If you are not a registered user, you may purchase a subscription.
If you are not a registered user, you may purchase a subscription.