You're reading: The Guardian: UN says ISIS using hostages as human shields in Mosul

Islamic State fighters have taken “tens of thousands” of people hostage and are herding them towards the city of Mosul for use as human shields as the battle for the militant group’s last major Iraqi stronghold intensifies, the United Nations has said.

ISIS also shot dead at least 232 civilians on Oct. 26, the UN said on Oct. 28, in its latest warning of atrocities by the group that has embraced rule by terror since it swept to power across the region. More evidence of crimes is likely to be unearthed as the self-proclaimed caliphate recedes into the desert.

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