Airstrikes were the leading cause of civilian casualties, accounting for 182 deaths and 212 injuries, followed by ground fighting, roadside bombs, abductions and killings, said OHCHR spokesman Rupert Colville.

Colville said that OHCHCR's concern was about the impact of the escalating conflict on populated areas, such as Tripoi's Abu Salim and Al-Hadhba districts, where a further 100,000 civilians could be force to flee their homes, on top of more than 340,000 who have already been displaced.