Mosul must be supported after fighting over – Hollande

Iraq’s prime minister has vowed to protect civilians fleeing the battle to remove Islamic State extremists from Mosul, as the offensive picked up speed and diplomats worked to ensure the gains are lasting.

French president Francois Hollande, hosting a conference on stabilising Mosul, urged the international community not to abandon the city once the multi-pronged military operation is over.

Diplomats from the US, Iraq and some 20 other countries gathered in Paris to devise a plan to protect civilians, distribute aid and address questions about governing areas newly liberated from IS. The offensive for Mosul - Iraq’s second-largest city and the biggest IS-held city – is expected to take weeks, if not months.

There are fears it could unleash sectarian tensions and threaten civilians in a region ravaged by years of violence.

Iraqi prime minister Haider Abadi said that Mosul may fall sooner than expected.

“The fighting forces are pushing forward towards the town more quickly than we thought,” he told the Paris conference via video transmission.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned that up to a million people might try to flee Mosul, and said authorities must check each one to make sure extremists are not among them.

Mr Abadi said the Iraqi government is “providing support for internally displaced people” and “will not allow any violations of human rights”.

Haider Abadi