Iraqi counterterrorism
forces face off with Islamic State militants in the Nuaimiya
neighborhood of Fallujah, Iraq, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. (AP
Photo/Khalid Mohammed)
BAGHDAD—The U.N. children’s fund on Wednesday issued a
stark warning to Iraqi troops and Islamic State militants in the battle
for Fallujah to spare the children, the most vulnerable among the tens
of thousands of civilians who remain trapped by the fighting for control
of this city west of Baghdad.
Backed by aerial support from the U.S.-led coalition and paramilitary
forces mainly made up of Shiite militias, Iraqi government troops more
than a week ago launched a military operation to recapture Fallujah
which has been under control of the extremist group for more than two
years.
As the battled unfolded — with Iraqi forces this week pushing into
the city’s southern sections after securing surrounding towns and
villages — more than 50,000 people are believed to be trapped inside the
Sunni majority city, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Baghdad.
The UNICEF estimated the number of the children trapped with their
families inside the city at about 20,000, warning that they face a dire
humanitarian situation, in addition to the risk of forced recruitment
into the fighting by the IS militants.
“Children who are forcibly recruited into the fighting see their
lives and futures jeopardized as they are forced to carry and use arms,
fighting an adults’ war,” the organization said in a statement. It
called on “all parties to protect children inside Fallujah” and “provide
safe passage to those wishing to leave the city.”
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