According to Mosul residents speaking to media via phone, ISIS groups are not allowing the civilians to leave the city and obstructing them at the exit point. A resident stated that ISIS militants are sending civilians to the houses under their control and making them become a target.

ISIS groups are guessed to be protecting themselves from bombardments in this way and to make the legitimacy of the operation questioned.

Officials from Ninova province have also confirmed the reports.

In the meantime, clashes intensify in Kani Herami and Kani Abbas villages in Hemdaniye town to the southwest of Mosul today.

The same front witnessed violent clashes between Iraqi army forces and ISIS groups yesterday. Iraqi army took control over the Kani Abbas village which was however recaptured by the gangs later.

Iraqi army launched an aggression on Kani Herami village during morning hours today with the support of coalition aircraft and took it under their control before re-advancing towards the Kani Abbas village.