Iraqi civilians are fleeing western Mosul in droves as the military closes in

Iraqi citizens are fleeing war-torn western Mosul in droves as US-backed Iraqi forces inch closer to a victory against The Islamic State group. In the past week, Iraqi forces reclaimed key government positions in the western half of the city, including its main government complex and a museum where ISIS destroyed many ancient artifacts. The city’s eastern half has already been liberated, but the western side remains in ISIS control. Despite recent gains, urban warfare continues to plague much of western Mosul’s streets.

More than 200,000 people have been displaced since Iraqi troops began their offensive to retake Mosul in October, according to the International Organisation for Migration.