City Leader al-Baghdadi Announces No Retreat from Mosul
The battle for Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, is shaping up as the largest in Iraq since the US-led invasion of 2003. The city, with a population of 1.5 million people, still stands under the control of the Islamic State (IS) group, making it significantly larger than any of the other cities captured by IS two years ago in Iraq and neighboring Syria.
Just 15km south of Mosul lies Hammam al-Alil, a town that, according to a local official, had a pre-war population of 65,000. Reports suggest that IS is attempting to displace the estimated 25,000 population of Hammam al-Alil for use as human shields.
The United Nations and aid organizations have warned that the Mosul offensive could trigger a humanitarian crisis and a possible refugee exodus, with up to one million people fleeing in a worst-case scenario. Aid organizations, local officials, and Mosul residents have reported that IS has executed dozens of people in Hammam al-Alil and nearby barracks on suspicion of planning rebellions.
Security forces have advanced to the edge of Hammam al-Alil, a thermal water resort, after an elite unit breached the eastern limits of Mosul. As of the current report, army troops heading north on that side of the Tigris River have yet to reach the area.
The ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud, which was bulldozed last year as part of IS's campaign, lies just across the Tigris River from the advancing forces. The battle for Hammam al-Alil and Mosul promises to be a critical turning point in the ongoing fight against IS in Iraq.
While direct and current data specific to Hammam al-Alil's humanitarian situation during the ongoing fighting against ISIS is not readily available, it is reasonable to infer that the town likely faces severe humanitarian challenges. These challenges include urgent needs for medical aid, shelter, and basic supplies consistent with conflict zones around Mosul. For precise and updated information, consulting specialized humanitarian reports from agencies like the UN OCHA, ICRC, or local NGOs would be necessary.
The International Organization for Migration reports that nearly 21,000 people have been displaced since the start of the Mosul campaign. It is crucial that the international community continues to provide aid and support to those affected by the conflict in Iraq, ensuring that they receive the urgent medical, food, water, and shelter assistance they require.
- Amid the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Iraq, the growing political tension surrounds the Mosul offensive, as concerns about humanitarian crises escalate due to the potential refugee exodus.
- In light of the reported crimes and justice issues, such as executions and displacement of civilians in Hammam al-Alil, general news media and relevant organizations should continue to cover these critical topics during the battle against IS in Iraq.
