The use of smoke in warfare is likely as old as war itself but the masks and technology available to Iraqi forces in this conflict leave civilians, especially children, the most vulnerable. That fire was put out over the weekend but oil wells, some of which have been burning for months, are till ablaze. Civilians living on the edges of Mosul in areas not yet retaken by Iraqi forces are also affected and have limited options for treatment. Abu Thaer, who lives on the eastern outskirts of Mosul, brought his five-year-old son to Jomhuri hospital last week. When masks are not available, civilians should use a wet handkerchief to cover their mouth and nose, the ICRC said.

Source: Sunday Times October 24, 2016 12:56 UTC