As the military operations to retake Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) unfold, protection and assistance of civilians trapped in conflict areas remains the utmost priority. Families are at great risk of being caught in crossfire and scarcity of food, water, fuel and essential medicine have been reported inside the city.
Since the beginning of the Mosul military operations in October 2016, 200 000 people have been displaced. Many of them have managed to make that journey to camps such as this one in Qarayyah, 60km from Mosul, or Zelikan camp, in Iraq’s Nineveh Governorate. Here they have been assisted by lifesaving EU humanitarian support. EU Humanitarian Aid and its partners are distributing clothes, blankets, winter kits and shelter materials to protect tens of thousands of people who managed to escape. Basic health care and water and sanitation are also provided.
The Mosul offensive is set to continue, from the Eastern side of the city, retaken end of January, towards Western Mosul, where fighting has just started. For many, the EU Humanitarian Aid support could make all the difference. We will continue to do our best to help those civilians still trapped in conflict areas, who will remain or may be forced to flee as a result of the fighting.
Video: European Union 2016
