Mosul Offensive :Isis Abducts 550 families from villages to use as human shields as Iraqi and Kurdish forces continue Advance

Isis has abducted at least 550 families from villages around Mosul to use them as human shields as Iraqi and Kurdish forces continue their advance on the city.

The United Nations said it was “gravely worried” for civilians who have been forced to leave their homes and enter Mosul, which is surrounded from three sides and under bombardment from the US-led coalition.

Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said Isis fighters were keeping families close to their headquarters or bases, putting them at risk from air strikes and advancing troops.

Mosul battle: Civilians flee ahead of fighting

He said there was particular concern for men, women and children minority groups, adding: “There is a grave danger that Isil (Isis) fighters will not only use such vulnerable people as human shields but may opt to kill them rather than see them liberated.”