Chemical attacks and narrow streets complicate fight for Mosul’s Old City
The fight against the Islamic State in western Mosul has reached the level of door-to-door fighting, with many challenges and dangers regarding the safety of civilians and the use of chemical weapons by IS.
MOSUL, Iraq — On April 23, a surprise attack including two suicide attacks by Islamic State (IS) fighters hit a command center for the Iraqi federal police in the south of Mosul. One Iraqi policemen was killed and one was injured.
On arriving at a federal police front line against the IS on April 15, gas masks were being unpacked, plastic wrappings torn off and the masks set atop wooden ammunition boxes for easy access.
