AFP via Al Jazeera - August 12, 2004
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/C956958C-8A8B-414E-B97F-B5DCC56ACFBA.htm
ICRC 'deeply concerned' about civilian toll in Iraq
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) raised deep
concerns about a spike in deadly clashes in flashpoint cities across
Iraq.
"The ICRC is deeply concerned about the growing violence in various
parts of Iraq, such as Kut, Baghdad (Sadr City), Samara, Falluja and
Najaf," the organisation said in a statement on Thursday.
On the eighth day of fierce battles in the city of Najaf, the Red
Cross called on both sides to ensure civilian lives are spared and
that the sick and wounded are quickly evacuated.
"Fighting in these heavily populated areas are increasing the risks of
civilian casualties and hampering basic services," it warned.
The Geneva-based agency it had provided three tonnes of emergency medical
and surgical aid in a bid to relieve war-ravaged civilians in Najaf - the
scene of some of the heaviest fighting between US occupation forces and the
Mahdi Army militia loyal to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
In cooperation with the Baghdad health department, the ICRC has
delivered sufficient aid - including anaesthetics, painkillers, IV
fluid and antibiotics - to help 200 patients, and said it was ready to
provide more if necessary.
Nationwide fighting in the past 24 hours has left some 165 Iraqis dead and
600 wounded. -AFP
http://tania.blythe-systems.com/pipermail/nytr/Week-of-Mon-20040809/004782.html
.
|
