Iraq says civilian casualties in Mosul caused by ISIS booby trap, not US air strike

BBC:
Iraq's military has cast doubt on reports that an air strike by the US-led coalition caused the deaths of dozens of civilians in west Mosul.

Instead it blamed explosive booby-traps set by so-called Islamic State (IS).

The US said on Saturday that it was investigating an air strike on 17 March at "the location corresponding to allegations of civilian casualties".

The Iraqi government offensive to drive IS from west Mosul continued on Sunday with helicopter gunships in action.

"Ignore reports Iraq forces have paused Mosul offensive," the BBC's Jeremy Bowen tweeted from Mosul.

"It continues. Have seen gunships firing and heard much activity in the last few hours."
...

The Iraqi claim is plausible.  It is just the kind of thing that could be expected from ISIS forces.  ISIS is in a desperate fight and appears willing to pull down all those around them as they lose.

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