Assault on Falluja
Around 44 people have been killed and 27 injured after US air strikes in and around the city of Falluja. Many of the dead and injured are believed to be women and children.
In the nearby village of Zoba, 13 houses are believed to have been demolished in the attacks.
Falluja General Hospital is reported to be struggling to cope with the casualties. The city’s ambulance service has also been overwhelmed, while local mosques are appealing for residents to donate blood.
Falluja and surrounding areas have been a focus for resistance against US forces and the interim Iraqi government.
Families affected by violence in Iraq
Baghdad Gunbattle
Baghdad has also witnessed renewed fighting between US-Iraqi troops and fighters around the Haifa Street area. Gun battles raged and tanks moved into the area in response to rocket and mortar attacks on the nearby international zone.
Two car bombs exploded in the Rashid Street shopping area of Baghdad, which is usually packed with shoppers. Reports say thirteen people were killed and at least 50 wounded.
Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief’s Baghdad office is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation in both Baghdad and Falluja and will be co-ordinating an appropriate relief response. Any relief effort is, as always, dependent upon the security situation.
IR is one of the few remaining international humanitarian aid organisations still present on the ground in Iraq, and our staff remain committed towards helping the Iraqi people in their time of need.