MSF Ready to Increase Aid Efforts Near Mosul - Communications Chief

Jehan Bseiso, head of MSF communications office, said that MSF is preparing to increase the medical personnel numbers in the area near Mosul and deliver additional medical supplies.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders, or MSF) international humanitarian group is ready to step up its efforts near the Iraqi city of Mosul, where a major military operation is about to begin, Jehan Bseiso, head of MSF communications office, said Tuesday.

"In Salaheddin governorate, where MSF runs a mobile clinic and a stabilization unit in Hajjaj not too far from the frontline; teams stand ready to scale up activities in anticipation of large population movements from northern Salaheddin and Ninewa. MSF teams are also ready to scale up activities in Kirkuk governorate," Bseiso told Sputnik.

She added that even those who would flee Mosul and reach zones of relative safety, would suffer from psychological trauma and lack adequate medical care.

According to Bseiso, MSF is preparing to increase the medical personnel numbers in the area and deliver additional medical supplies.

On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the beginning of an operation to retake Mosul, the second largest Iraqi city, which was captured by the Islamic State militants in 2014.