Photo: EPA
At least 741 civilians died in “execution-style killings” by Islamic State militants during the battle for the Iraqi city of Mosul, the UN says.
The jihadists are also alleged to have carried out mass abductions, used human shields, intentionally shelled homes, and targeted people trying to flee.
“Those responsible must answer for their heinous crimes,” said UN human rights chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein.
“The execution-style killing of civilians, the suffering inflicted on families, and the wanton destruction of property can never be tolerated in any armed conflict,” he added.
He also called for alleged violations by Iraqi forces to be investigated.
The UN says another 461 civilians died a result of Iraqi military and US-led coalition air strikes during the most intensive phase of the battle, which lasted from November 2016 to July 2017.
