ISIS is taking hostages to use as leverage in the Mosul fight

As U.S.-supported Iraqi forces press ever closer to Mosul, the last major city controlled by the Islamic State in Iraq, retreating ISIS fighters have taken hostage some 1,500 families and about 300 former Iraqi soldiers.

The terrorist group kidnapped the civilians on its way out of Hammam al-Alil, the final town on Mosul's southern outskirts which coalition forces began retaking on Saturday. "People forcibly moved or abducted, it appears, are either intended to be used as human shields or — depending on their perceived affiliations — killed," said Ravina Shamdasani, representing the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. "The fate of these civilians is unknown for the moment."

ISIS also reportedly conscripted boys as young as 9 from Hammam al-Alil, forcing them to become child soldiers. For more on the Mosul campaign, read the The Week's rundown of everything you need to know.

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