Mosul – Displaced civilians in liberated areas have become ISIS' main target now that battles have intensified in the center of Mosul's Old City. ISIS militants have resorted to shelling areas recaptured by Iraqi forces in western Mosul, hitting civilians fleeing the fighting. Heavy mortar fire killed at least one civilian and wounded dozens in Mosul Jadida and Rifak districts – areas that the militants had recently lost to Federal Police and Rapid Response brigades. Chief of the Iraqi Federal Police Lieutenant General Raed Shaker Jawdat told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that terrorists are shelling liberated, populated areas to distract the troops. He also confirmed that they have injured dozens. According to Colonel Abdul Amir al-Muhammadawi, from the Iraqi Rapid Response Division, the civilians leaving their areas are being shelled and sniped by ISIS militants. He added that medical outposts have been deployed on the roads expected to be taken by civilians. He explained to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the medical stations provide first aid assistance to the wounded and elderly and then transfer them to the field hospital for treatment.
