Sectarian violence and displacement follow Samarra attack

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, 14 June 2007 (IRIN) - Civilians are defying a curfew to flee their homes in fear of an increase in sectarian violence after insurgents blew up two minarets at a revered Shia shrine in Samarra on 13 June. Partial destruction of the shrine last year sparked spiralling sectarian bloodshed.

"The curfew is preventing everyone from moving but some families insist on leaving their homes trying to save themselves. We have been informed than many people have been killed while trying to flee and others have been killed in their homes by militias," said Fatah Ahmed, an Iraq Aid Association spokesman.

"Some displacement camps on the outskirts of Baghdad have received a huge number of people since yesterday and cannot cope. Also, NGOs, because of the curfew and violence, are unable to reach families in need," Ahmed added.

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/b6073073b84a835c46f21f937cbc1d97.htm

[Barrett808]

1. Iraq: Sectarian violence and displacement follow Samarra attack (Iraqis defy curfew to flee)

Source: IRIN

BAGHDAD, 14 June 2007 (IRIN) - Civilians are defying a curfew to flee their homes in fear of an increase in sectarian violence after insurgents blew up two minarets at a revered Shia shrine in Samarra on 13 June. Partial destruction of the shrine last year sparked spiralling sectarian bloodshed.

"The curfew is preventing everyone from moving but some families insist on leaving their homes trying to save themselves. We have been informed than many people have been killed while trying to flee and others have been killed in their homes by militias," said Fatah Ahmed, an Iraq Aid Association spokesman.

"Some displacement camps on the outskirts of Baghdad have received a huge number of people since yesterday and cannot cope. Also, NGOs, because of the curfew and violence, are unable to reach families in need," Ahmed added.

Since 13 June, Mahdi army militants have been targeting Sunni mosques and families. At least six Sunni mosques have been burned in the capital and many civilians killed, said some observers.

"They entered our home, took my father and brother outside and executed them. We are desperate because the bodies cannot be buried because of the curfew. We need help, they shouldn't let this attack bring more violence again to so many desperate families," said Rabab Salim, 21, a Sunni resident of the capital, Baghdad.

Read more: http://wap.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/b6073073b84a835c46f21f937cbc1d97.htm

[fed-up]

2. Genocide is Bush's definition of success :( nt