The United States has condemned a siege of Iraq’s second-largest city by Islamic militants “in the strongest possible terms.”
White House spokesman Josh Earnest deplored “despicable” acts of violence targeting civilians in Mosul.
Militants overran much of the city on yesterday, seizing government and military buildings.
The assault was a heavy defeat for Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki amid a widening insurgency by the al-Qaida-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Mr Earnest said the group has gained strength from the situation in neighbouring Syria.
But the White House is not saying what additional military assistance the US might provide Iraq in response to the siege.
Mr Earnest said the US is committed to its partnership with Baghdad but is urging Iraq’s government to take steps to be more inclusive of all Iraqis.