Civilians flee as strikes pound last of IS-held Mosul

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi forces say hundreds of civilians are fleeing Mosul as airstrikes pound the last pockets of territory held by the Islamic State group.

Iraqi special forces Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridisays Sunday civilians — mostly women and children — are fleeing the city.

Dozens were injured, many with shrapnel wounds. After a strike, others appeared covered in dust. One woman collapsed, apparently from dehydration.

Civilians trapped inside the under-siege Old City — where temperatures have soared to 45 degrees Celsius — have suffered water and food shortages for months.

Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake the Old City in mid-June. The dense neighbourhood is IS’ last stand in Iraq’s second-largest city. Iraqi officials say they’ll declare victory in Mosul within days.