IRAQ UNICEF: 100,000 children at risk in Mosul

Mosul’s children are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between US-backed government forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL) group in the Iraqi city’s western half, the UN children’s agency warned on Monday. Iraqi forces are continuing their operation to drive ISIL fighters from the remaining pockets of Mosul’s Old City, […]

Mosul’s children are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between US-backed government forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL) group in the Iraqi city’s western half, the UN children’s agency warned on Monday.

Iraqi forces are continuing their operation to drive ISIL fighters from the remaining pockets of Mosul’s Old City, where narrow streets and a dense civilian population are complicating the fight.

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF representative in Iraq, estimated that 100,000 children are still in ISIL-held areas, living under extremely dangerous conditions.

Hawkins said the agency is receiving “alarming reports” of civilians being killed, including children, with some caught in the crossfire while trying to flee.

He did not give a specific number for killed children.

Hawkins called on the rival parties to “protect the children and keep them out of harm’s way at all times, in line with their obligations under humanitarian law.