As the Iraqi army moves to retake the city of Mosul from the terrorist group ISIL, or Daesh, aid groups are preparing to assist as many as 1.5 million civilians who might be affected.

However, the UN and partners say they urgently need more than US$280 million for the operation, and they warn that time is running out.

That’s the message UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Lise Grande, delivered to international foreign and defence ministers meeting in Washington, DC, this week.

Speaking on the line from the US capital, she told Basma Baghall about the expected Mosul operation and the importance of the conference.

Duration: 4’31”