Iraqi civilians stranded north of Mosul grow desperate

By Stephen Kalin BAYBUKH, Iraq (Reuters) – Hundreds of civilians who fled fighting near Islamic State-controlled Mosul last week are stranded without basic humanitarian assistance, underlining the challenges of the largest military operation in Iraq in over a decade. Families have been living for up to six days in abandoned homes and a school building in the village of Baybukh, about 6 km (4 miles) from the frontline at Mosul’s northern border. The army is fighting within sight of city neighborhoods, but advances have been slowed by the presence of civilians who officers say are being used by the militants as human shields.
Go to Source