U.N. chief backs Iraq’s battle with IS

BAGHDAD — The U.N. secretary-general offered support for Iraq’s fight against the Islamic State group during a visit to Baghdad on Thursday, even as the country faces a growing humanitarian crisis following the months-long battle for Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city.

At a joint press conference with Antonio Guterres, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Iraqi forces were doing their “utmost” to protect civilians in the fight against IS and accused the extremists of intentionally putting civilians in harm’s way while also “intensifying their propaganda machine to spread rumors.”

Guterres expressed support for Iraq’s fight, condemned IS crimes against civilians and pledged continued aid for the some 3 million Iraqis displaced by the fighting.

Hours earlier, as the secretary-general arrived in the Iraqi capital, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a suicide truck bombing in Baghdad the previous night that killed 15 people and wounded 45.

The fight to take back Mosul began in October, backed by the U.S.-led international coalition. After routing IS from the eastern part of the city, Iraqi forces in February launched a push to drive the militants from the western half. The Tigris River divides Mosul.

Shortly after landing at Baghdad International Airport, Guterres said on Twitter that his visit is to “focus on the dire humanitarian situation on the ground.”

Guterres met with Iraq’s president and parliament speaker as well as the prime minister. The U.N. chief also plans to meet leaders in Iraq’s northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region.