Iraq - As the security situation continues to deteriorate in Anbar, IOM aid deliveries in the most affected communities of Anbar, Fallujah and Ramadi are under threat.

The security situation on the ground remains unpredictable and tense. Local sources indicate that the ongoing clashes and shelling is indiscriminate and has caused significant civilian causalities and displacement. 

Even though the total number of displaced families is difficult to ascertain, to date 44,443 families have been reported as displaced. This brings the total number of individuals in need of direct assistance to 266,658.

As word of probable military operations in Fallujah broke over the weekend, all telecommunications in Anbar were systematically shut down. IOM’s operational staff in the field have been without communications for two days. In addition to the deteriorating security situation, the lack of communication obstructs the transport, coordination and delivery of humanitarian aid.

As a result, IOM’s activities are on hold in the affected areas of Anbar, but the mission’s support continues. Antonio Salanga, Head of IOM’s Baghdad regional hub, said: “The work continues, because the need remains. There are areas around Anbar that are accessible and require our immediate support.”

Many internally displaced (IDP) families are scattered in surrounding host communities and across other governorates, and IOM is now diverting aid to these communities. One such area is the governorate of Baghdad, which is hosting more than 900 IDP families (5,400 individuals) in the community of Abu Graib. On the 4^th of February, IOM will deliver 250 non-food relief item kits (NFIs) to this affected community.

For more information, please contact

Mandie Alexander
IOM Iraq
Email: malexander@iom.int
Tel.  +962 79 6999 426 (Jordan)
Tel. +964 78 092 456 48 (Iraq)