As Iraqi forces and The Islamic State clash, Mosul civilians are taking the brunt of the casualties.

Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, was taken over by the Islamic State (IS). This has caused the Iraqi government to try to recapture the city that was once theirs. The battle began on March 24, 2016. In this battle, many civilians have been displaced trying to escape the war in the streets. Some have died trying.

According to BBC, “At least 1,494 [civilians] have been killed and 1,219 injured across Nineveh province since the start of October.”

The numbers of casualties are growing with each day because of the Islamic State’s indiscriminate brutality and the battle itself, which involves deadly weapons such as rockets.

The risk of civilian lives has been recognized by the Iraqi forces and US allies alike. There have been some ideas taken into consideration to decrease the number of unintentional casualties while trying to take back the city from the Islamic State’s control.

Sunni Lawmakers might even stop operations as last resort to save the trapped civilians.

Because there are many civilians trapped within the city, the Iraqi-US coalition have found it difficult to keep them safe in the crossfire. In addition, according to BBC, the Islamic State has been using children as human shields in the Mosul Battle.

General Samir Hussain, in an interview with BBC, said “Mosul is the toughest job we have ever had. There is no comparison with any other mission that you have witnessed.”

The short term situation looks bleak.  Suicide bombers are scattered throughout the area and civilians are struggling to survive.