Fresh evidence of the threat facing civilians caught in the fight for Mosul emerged over the weekend as Oxfam called for genuine safe routes for families fleeing the conflict.
People escaping the village of Hawd, 50km south of Mosul, told Oxfam that a high number of civilians were injured during the offensive to retake the village last week. They were among around 500 people from Hawd who arrived at a screening facility at a school in Qayyarah over two days.
One of the women told Oxfam that her children were hungry and thirsty from the journey, and that they were suffering from breathing difficulties after inhaling the thick black smoke from nearby oil well fires.
ISIS is setting fire to the oil wells in an apparent effort to provide cover from coalition airstrikes.
Several women said the fighting started so suddenly that they were forced to flee with only one small bag. Another woman told Oxfam that during the rush to escape the fighting she had been separated from her husband, who she has not seen since, and that her daughter had been left behind in the village.
Andres Gonzalez, Oxfam Iraq’s Country Director, said more needs to be done to protect civilians during the offensive.
“Every party must uphold International Humanitarian Law, including the coalition and Iraqi forces that must do everything necessary to protect civilians, and ensure that genuine escape routes are provided for those that choose to flee,” Mr Gonzalez said
Donations to support Oxfam’s emergency responses around the world can be made online.
For interviews or more information, please contact Dylan Quinnell on 0450 668 350 or dylanq@oxfam.org.au
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