Chaos as Iraqi forces send in half a dozen trucks loaded with humanitarian aid into Mosul. Food shortages have made people desperate as the battle to recapture the city slows.
ADVERTISEMENTIraqi forces have distributed humanitarian aid to the people of Mosul in areas recently recaptured from ISIL militants.
Chaos broke out when locals began helping themselves. Many complained at the lack of organisation.
Advances in the battle for Mosul have slowed as the jihadists employ snipers and use civilians as human shields.
Most gains have been made by the special forces operating in the section of Mosul east of the Tigris river.
Other forces are advancing on the city from different directions, and the US-led coalition is providing airstrikes and other support.
Iraqi commander says troops are advancing toward center of Mosul, pushing back Islamic State fighters. https://t.co/HYcVKYYFiw
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 20, 2016
Those that can get out have fled, emerging from rubble-strewn frontline neighbourhoods in search of safer ground.
Mosul is still home to more than one million people despite the ongoing operation.
The Iraqi military launched their campaign on October 17 to retake Iraq’s second largest city and the extremist group’s last major urban stronghold in the country.