Iraqi Aid Distribution Swamped by Mosul Residents

Iraqi aid workers were in danger of being crushed by crowds of Mosul residents on Sunday as they tried to deliver food, water and heating oil to the besieged city. Iraqi officials had hoped to keep the local residents out of harm’s way while the army completed its mission of chasing ISIS forces from Mosul. But the military operation was too slow for the estimated 250,000 who are in desperate need of essentials. As aid trucks entered the city they were swamped by rampaging locals bringing chaos to the relief effort. Witnesses told of some bullying their way to a plentiful haul while others failed to get anything at all. The Associated Press reported soldiers firing into the air to move the crowds in order to allow ambulances to reach hospitals.