300,000 flee as Mosul battle goes on

ABOUT 300,000 people have been displaced by the US-backed Iraqi operation to drive the Islamic State group from Mosul, according to the United Nations.

The UN Office for the Coordination of HumaniTHE tarian Affairs said a total of 392,000 people have fled their homes since the offensive began in October, but that 94,500 have since returned.

The International Organisation for Migration puts the number currently displaced at 302,400. Many of the displaced live in large refugee camps just outside the city.

Iraqi forces declared eastern Mosul “fully liberated” in January but heavy fighting is still under way in the more densely populated western half.