IRAQ: Dozens of families flee clashes in Sadr City
BAGHDAD, 8 April 2008 (IRIN) - Dozens of families are fleeing clashes in Baghdad’s largest slum - Sadr City - to seek shelter in nearby neighbourhoods, according to the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and residents.
“We have registered displacement among the residents of Sadr City since yesterday [7 April] but we have no specific numbers as all these families are seeking shelter with relatives in nearby neighbourhoods,” said Ammar Abdul-Sattar Mohammed, a volunteer with the IRCS mission in Sadr City.
“All these families are leaving their homes on foot without taking anything with them; most are leaving one or two family members behind to protect property. But it is not yet considered a major displacement,” Mohammed told IRIN.
The clashes are between government forces (backed by US troops) and the Mahdi Army, a Shia militia loyal to radical leader Muqtada al-Sadr.
With regard to humanitarian assistance, Mohammed said IRCS teams “are working hard to meet the needs of the local hospitals by providing them with medicines and medical items whenever they feel it is safe for them [the aid teams] to move”.
Since 25 March, the suburbs of Sadr City and Shula have been the scene of fierce fighting, prompting the authorities to impose tight security measures, including a ban on cars.
Despite an order on 5 April by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to ease security restrictions in the two Shia militia strongholds, doctors and medical staff are still unable to operate normally in these suburbs.
“We are fed up with the fighting and deteriorated public services since 25 March. There is no water, no electricity, and food and vegetables are hard to get, while prices are soaring,” said Jamal Hussein Nasser, a Sadr City resident who fled with his 15-member family to nearby Shaab area.
“There are almost round-the-clock shootings, mortar rounds, explosions and sniper-fire from both sides. We were happy when Saddam Hussein was toppled and thought our life would get better but unfortunately Saddam was better,” Nasser said.
The clashes in Sadr City on 8 April left 15 civilians injured when government forces tried to re-enter the suburb, a police officer said on condition of anonymity.
Indexed under: al-Shula, Baghdad, Mahdi Army, Red Crescent/Red Cross, Refugees, Rescue Work, Sadr City, Water
People of Iraq,
you need to get video footage of the things happening to you there. spread it on the internet so the American people know what’s going on because our media lies for our government and keeps the truth from us.
the only way to open their eyes is to see what is really going on.
if you know of any online now, send me the links at odendin@aol.com and i’ll spread them like wildfire.
I would like the Iraqui people to know that I am very sorry that our armies are there, causing so much destruction. Most Americans did not approve of the war, and now 80% think we should leave. The president, that we have, has misled our country badly. He will be gone in 9 months, and then there will big changes. My heart goes out to you and the children. Most of our citizens are kind and generous people, but we are helpless until we have a new president.
I agree with como odendin,
Video evidence is very difficult to dispute.Outlets such as youtube have a large following and provide a wonderful outlet for distribution of events in Iraq.I hope the suggestion is seriously considered.
Blessings upon you, your people, and your country. May we all live to see the day when the U.S. leaves you in peace and begins paying reparations.
“Most of our citizens are kind and generous people, but we are helpless until we have a new president.”
So much for the strength of a democratic people huh? Oh, and I call bullshit on the “Most of our citizens” bit. They elected these war criminals twice running, and the second time they had already invaded your defenseless nation.
como odendin & Charles J.
You are right but it is not as easy it sounds:
This has happened to our members discovered taking photos as well. We do what we can but we have lost too many members already.
THeDRiFTeR:
We agree with you.
Khaled.