Iraqi government forces are staging airstrikes on Mosul’s Old City to put down resistance by Islamic State militants. The Iraqi forces have taken back most of the country’s second-largest city, which was under the militants’ control for about 3 years. The forces had advanced to the Old City since the 18th of this month and launched the air campaign today. State-run media say the raids target Islamic State arsenals, as militants there are preparing suicide attacks using vehicles packed with explosives. The Iraqi forces had refrained from major airstrikes and shelling in the historic city. Islamic State fighters are putting up resistance by carrying out suicide attacks and detonating explosives planted in buildings in the Old City.
About 20,000 civilians are believed to be trapped in areas where the militants are. Members of the international community have expressed concern about civilian casualties.
