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UNICEF: 20,000 children in Iraq’s Fallujah at risk

June 1, 2016 at 4:28 pm

At least 20,000 children in Fallujah are at risk due to the ongoing fighting between the Iraqi army and its allies and Daesh, the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) warned today.

In a statement, UNICEF representative in Iraq Peter Hawkins said that food and medicine in Daesh-held Fallujah were running out while clean water was “in short supply” amid a week-old army operation aimed at retaking the city from the terrorist group.

“As violence continues to escalate in Fallujah and across Iraq, we are concerned about the protection of children in the face of extreme violence,” Hawkins said.

“Children face the risk of forced recruitment into the fighting, strict procedures for security screening, and separation from their families,” he added.

UNICEF has urged the warring parties to provide safe passage for civilians who wish to leave the conflict-battered city.

On Monday, security sources taking part in the fighting said Iraqi army forces and allied Shia militias had “surrounded” most parts of Fallujah while Daesh militants attempted to halt the advance with booby-trapped cars, rockets and landmines.