IS takes 550 families as human shields in Mosul: UN

The UN fears has taken 550 families as human shields in Mosul.

Journalists and soldiers take cover after they became the targets to a sniper fire during clashes as Iraqi army advance towards Mosul, Iraq, Oct. 20, 2016. Source: AAP

Islamic State militants have taken 550 families from villages around Mosul and are holding them close to Islamic State locations in the Iraqi city, probably as human shields, a spokeswoman for the UN human rights office said on Friday.

U.N. spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, citing "corroborated information" from the area, said the office was also investigating reports that Islamic State militants had killed 40 civilians in one village.