The United Nations Condemns the attack at Kilo 60 in Anbar [EN/AR/KU]

(Baghdad, 3 July 2017) – The United Nations condemns unequivocally the attack yesterday by a suicide bomber at the Kilo 60 transit site, west of Ramadi, where 14 people were reportedly killed and 13 injured, most of whom were women and children.

“This is terrible,” said Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Ms. Lise Grande. “The people who were attacked had fled to Kilo 60 for their safety. Many have travelled huge distances seeking help. We express our deep condolences to the families of the victims.” In recent weeks, the number of civilians fleeing ISIL-controlled areas in western Anbar has increased significantly. As many as 900 people arrived at the Al-Nadhira checkpoint between 25 and 28 June. The emergency site at Kilo 60 has reached nearly full capacity.

“We know that fighting is likely to intensify in these areas in the weeks ahead and we worry deeply that civilians will be at extreme risk,” said Ms. Grande. “The battle for Mosul may be nearing its end, but fighting in other locations continues. Everywhere there is fighting, civilians are in danger. Everything must be done by the parties to the conflict to ensure that people are safe—everything.”

The 2017 Humanitarian Response Plan for Iraq is 42 per cent funded, well below what is required to support people fleeing conflict and violence, many of whom are women and children.

For further information, please contact:
Orla Fagan, Head of Communications and Reporting Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Iraq, (fagano@un.org) Tel +964 751 740 3858