Few million letters of support dropped on Mosul
Residents of Isis-seized city had an opportunity to catch millions of letters, dropped by the Iraqi air force on Thursday, the US-led coalition said. It was an effort to provide “empathy and support” for residents even though in writing by sitizens from all over country. The air drop comes after the international Institute for War and Peace Reporting started a campaign called “Letters to Mosul” on October 17, the day Iraqi forces began their operation to recapture Mosul from ISIS militants.
“The letters of empathy and support for Mosul residents were written by Iraqis from all over the country,” the coalition said in a statement. “This initiative by the people of Iraq reassures the residents of Mosul, held hostage by ISIS for more than two years, that they have not been forgotten and that the rest of Iraq is standing with them, waiting to welcome them back in solidarity when ISIS is defeated.”
According to the coalition, the letters are based on 2,160 hand-written notes penned in the days since the Mosul offensive began. “To our dear people ... we are with you in everything and our hearts to you, and we feel what you feel of cold, hunger, and the harshness of days and you should be patient and endured that victory is close, God willing,” one letter states, according to the coalition.
Some 100,000 people have fled Mosul since the Iraqi operation against ISIS began, and aid organizations have said they fear it could result in the displacement of more than a million people. The government has encouraged civilians in Mosul – where a million or more people may still live – to stay in their homes if possible.
Source: Al Arabia