Iraq: ICRC helps bomb victims in Baghdad and Kirkuk

28-07-2008 News release 08/135

Baghdad/Geneva (ICRC) – In response to the blasts that rocked the cities of Baghdad and Kirkuk this morning, leaving dozens dead and injured, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) immediately delivered emergency medical supplies to the hospitals receiving the bulk of the injured.

The explosions occurred at a busy time of the day, resulting in a high number of casualties among civilians and a major influx of victims at local medical facilities.

"Helping hospitals to cope with emergencies and save lives is a priority for the ICRC in Iraq", said Juan-Pedro Schaerer, head of the ICRC's delegation there.

Al Nafis Hospital for Heart Surgery in Baghdad received supplies sufficient to treat more than 50 blast victims, while Kirkuk General Hospital and Azadi Kirkuk Hospital received supplies for the treatment of over 300.

The ICRC is deeply concerned about the serious violations of international humanitarian law and calls on parties to the conflict to halt any deliberate targeting of civilians.

For further information, please contact:
Hicham Hassan, ICRC Iraq, tel: +962 777 399 614 or +962 6 552 39 94
Dorothea Krimitsas, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 22 730 25 90 or +41 79 251 93 18