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UN concerned over deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Fallujah, Iraq

Xinhua, April 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations remains deeply concerned over reports that deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Fallujah, Iraq, which is a stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) the terrorist group, said a UN spokesman at Tuesday's news briefing.

A report released by the World Food Programme (WFP) Monday said that food prices remain extremely high in Fallujah, and stocks in shops and households are depleting, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general.

There are also credible reports from key informants that people wanting to leave the city and seek safety are unable to do so, said Haq.

Local media reports said that government forces trying to recapture the city from IS militants have cut supply routes, and IS is stopping people from leaving.

In late March, the government of Iraq informed the United Nations that it intended to open safe corridors to allow civilians to exit the city.

UN and its partners are ready to help people in need in Fallujah, with stocks pre-positioned in sites where displaced people may go or to bring into the city if access is obtained, according to the spokesman. Endit