The number of civilians who have fled western Mosul since the start of security operations to retake the region from the Islamic State has soared further to 26000, the Iraqi government said. The Ministry of Migration and Displacement said Wednesday that the number is of those who fled the western section of Mosul since operations launched in February 19th. The United Nations and Iraqi refugee bodies have warned that battles in western Mosul could displace at least 250.000 out of 750.000 estimated to be trapped under IS control in western Mosul.