BAGHDAD: The United Nations' human rights office says the Islamic State group appears to be using tens of thousands of civilians in and around the Iraqi city of Mosul as "human shields."
It has received reports of more than 200 people being killed for refusing to comply with IS orders or previously belonging to Iraqi security forces.
Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said Friday in Geneva that "credible reports" suggest IS has been forcing tens of thousands from their homes in districts around Mosul.
She said: "ISIL's depraved, cowardly strategy is to attempt to use the presence of civilian hostages to render certain points, areas or military forces immune from military operations, effectively using tens of thousands of women, men and children as human shields."
Shamdasani says 232 people, mostly former officers, were reportedly shot Wednesday, and 24 Tuesday.