United Nations: Approximately 90,000 Civilians Trapped in Fallujah

The United Nations warned on Wednesday, June 9, after a new assessment, that approximately 90,000 civilians are likely trapped in the city of Fallujah, Iraq, which is under the control of Islamic State militants. Previous estimates had indicated around 50,000 people. Lise Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq, warned in a phone interview with Reuters that civilians in Fallujah, located 50 kilometers west of Baghdad and currently besieged by Iraqi forces, are likely caught in horrific conditions. Iraqi armed forces launched a large-scale operation on May 24 to drive out Islamic State fighters from Fallujah, but the city has effectively been under siege for a long time, with no supplies entering for civilians for about six months. Grande added, 'Our estimate of the number of civilians living in Fallujah was lower than the actual figure. People who are leaving the city have provided us with information that allows us to say with near certainty that there are still between 80,000 and 90,000 civilians trapped in Fallujah.' According to her, more than 20,000 residents of Fallujah have fled under very difficult conditions, on foot and under fire from Islamic State militants, reaching areas controlled by the Iraqi government. She added, 'Unfortunately, some people have lost their lives on this journey. At least ten people drowned while crossing the river, and several families lost their children while fleeing.' Grande further urged the international community to quickly fulfill its promise to provide financial assistance for humanitarian activities in Iraq. She stated that only 30 percent of the UN's $860 million request has been funded so far. She added, 'If we do not receive more funding quickly, we cannot continue our activities. It is hard to understand why the international community spends huge amounts on military operations but shows stinginess for the humanitarian needs of victims.'