In his broadcasted speech, he called on the residents of Mosul to actively cooperate with the Iraqi armed forces. The military operation is expected to displace a massive number of Mosul residents; therefore, Al-Abadi has formulated trained groups to evacuate and provide shelter for displaced residents. “Civilians inside Mosul are at risk of mass slaughter amid the ongoing clashes between IS and Iraqi forces,” he said. Contrary to the group’s statement, Atta claims that Al-Hashd Al-Sha’abi is not participating in the battle. The United Nations has warned of the dire consequences on Mosul’s population of one million that may result from this military operation.

Source: Daily News Egypt October 17, 2016 15:56 UTC