Iraq: ICRC assists bomb victims following Sadr City blast

25-06-2009 News release 09/134

Baghdad (ICRC) – Following yesterday's massive bomb explosion at the popular Muraidi market in the Sadr City area of Baghdad, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivered one tonne of medical supplies and 120,000 litres of water to Al Imam Ali General Hospital in Baghdad, where most of the injured are being treated

The bombing is reported to have killed at least 72 people.

"These supplies will hopefully enable the hospital to save more lives following this dreadful attack," said Patrick Youssef, the head of the ICRC's office in Baghdad. "They are being provided in addition to the potable water and surgical and other medical supplies that the ICRC distributes to this hospital and other medical facilities in Baghdad every month."

The ICRC also provided emergency assistance to Al Jumhury General Hospital in Kirkuk after the massive bomb blast that shook that city on 20 June. It provides Iraqi health facilities with medical supplies on a regular basis.

"The ICRC remains extremely concerned about the indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians," said Mr Youssef. "It calls on all parties to the conflict to spare and protect the civilian population."

For further information, please contact:
Dibeh Fakhr, ICRC Iraq, tel: +962 777 399 614 or +962 6 552 39 94
More details of the ICRC's work in Iraq