(Save the Children) – As Iraqi and coalition forces close in on Mosul, the lives of more than half a million children now hang in the balance. Aram Shakaram, Save the Children’s Deputy Country Director in Iraq, said: “Unless safe routes to escape the fighting are established, many families will have no choice but to stay and risk being killed by crossfire or bombardment, trapped beyond the reach of humanitarian aid with little food or medical care. Those that try to flee will be forced to navigate a city ringed with booby traps, snipers and hidden landmines. Without immediate action to ensure people can flee safely, we are likely to see bloodshed of civilians on a massive scale.”
