Civilians Emerge From Mosul’s Rubble Starving, Injured and Traumatized
And even after the Islamic State’s defeat, the Iraqi forces face the arduous task of clearing
the city of improvised explosive devices and booby traps left behind by the Islamic State.
Aid groups in the region lack the resources to deal with the those who suffered the most severe deprivation
and violence under the Islamic State, Mr. Geddo said.
Some have been hiding in basements for weeks as the fierce fighting between the Iraqi military and Islamic State forces raged around them.
Aid groups working with civilians displaced by the fighting say
that those that have managed to escape or be evacuated by the Iraqi military come to camps malnourished and often are injured from the battle raging around them.
Mr. Geddo said Mosul’s displaced residents were often "totally emotionally
and physically exhausted" by the time they made it to the camps, whether by escape or military evacuation.
Civilians have long been caught between Islamic State snipers, who target those trying to leave,
and heavy bombardment from Iraqi and coalition forces.