VOA常速英语:Closing In on Mosul, Iraqi Army Finds Wake of Destruction(翻译)

Soldiers say civilians are trapped in the battle zones, and they are fighting IS militants on the streets.The next phase of the struggle for Mosul is coming soon.And soldiers say it is expected to be long and dangerous for everyone involved.

“IS techniques are suicide bombs and explosive cars which are dangerous for everyone, but we want to liberate Mosul, and our soldiers are well trained.”

As towns and villages surrounding Mosul are recaptured, a world of destruction is revealed.Shops and homes are in rubble, windows are shattered,and shell casings are scattered on the streets.

There is no running water or electricity in this town, but residents trickle in to see what has become of their homes.

“It has been two years since we have seen our homes and our city,and we are tired of being refugees.It is not just our house that was destroyed, it is the whole city.”

Vehicles with white flags are appearing at refugee camps, carrying families fleeing the battle zones.The International Organization for Migration says more than 20,000 people have been displaced since the offensive began more than two weeks ago,and as many as a million more are expected.

But many displaced families say if their suffering is necessary to destroy IS, they have no choice but to pay the price.

Heather Murdock, VOA news, Bartella, Iraq