UN warns of increasing risks for civilians in besieged Iraqi city of Fallujah

Civilians in Fallujah, Iraq (UN Photo)

Fallujah, Iraq (IINA) – The humanitarian conditions are worsening and human suffering is increasing in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, which has been under control of terrorist group Daesh for more than two years, according to reports of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
UNAMI said in a press statement that there are “credible reports" that supplies are not reaching civilians, who want to leave the city for safety, but are unable to do so.
“We are profoundly worried about Fallujah. There are reports of widespread food shortages and lack of medicines,” UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande said over the weekend.
“We don’t have access to the city, but we have to assume based on what we are hearing that people are in terrible trouble,” she added.
Ms. Grande said UNAMI has received reports that Daesh has killed civilians attempting to leave the city and controls potential escape routes. The Mission has also received reports that the little food and medicines available have been used for Daesh fighters.
She urged all parties to the conflict to do everything possible to protect civilians and respect their right to receive life-saving humanitarian support.
According to UN estimates, 10 million people in Iraq are in need of humanitarian assistance, including 3.4 million displaced persons and 3 million people  who are living in Daesh-controlled areas.
AB/IINA

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