The United Nations Security Council is expressing alarm at reports that Daesh extremists are removing civilians from their homes and relocating them to act as human shields in Mosul, ABC reported.

The council condemned the use of human shields and urged all parties to avoid harming civilians and civilian facilities.

Council members said in a statement Wednesday after their first briefing on the Iraqi military campaign to liberate Mosul from Daesh control that they don't want to see Daesh fighters fleeing across the border to Syria.

The council statement, however, made no mention of support for the Iraqi military effort, which Iraq's UN Ambassador Mohamed Alhakim had sought. Senegal, which holds the council presidency this month, said that issue is still under discussion.

Council members did express "strong support" for the coordinated efforts of the United Nations and the Iraqi government to address the humanitarian crisis. They urged all countries to contribute to the underfunded UN appeal to help those displaced as the military operation continues.

Source: MENA