People flee Baghdad district amid reports of imminent major attack

 

Ilham Mohammed

 

Azzaman, September 24, 2005

 

Many residents are fleeing Doura, a low-income district in Baghdad and scene of regular fighting between U.S.-backed Iraqi troops and groups opposing them.

 

Recently leaflets were handed out in the district, where an estimated one million people live, to evacuate their houses.

 

Car and roadside bomb attacks are almost daily occurrences in the area, believed to be among the most restive in Baghdad.

 

Iraqi forces are massing in the district, setting up checkpoints and road blocks, prompting the residents to leave for fear that the troops would soon mount a major attack.

 

“We have come across several leaflets thrown on the streets and in our houses, demanding we evacuate the area,’ said Iqbal Jumaa.

 

They refer to the possibility of large-scale fighting like the one which took place in Tal Affar in the north.

 

“We fled when we found anonymous leaflets urging residents to evacuate the area in preparation for major military operations,” said Khalil Ibrahim.

 

The district’s commercial center has been set on fire several times and residents report random shelling with innocent people the main victims.

 

Residents say Iraqi troops have occupied public buildings such as schools and administrative centers and turned them into military barracks with blast walls, blocks and checkpoints.

 

“We were surprised to see the troops entering the area, turning the schools into barracks, erecting concrete blocks and mounting patrols in streets,” said Yass Khadhyer.

 

Janan Mohammed, a housewife, said the security situation in Doura was worsening and she had to leave the area “to save members of her family.

 

“The presence of Iraqi troops has not prevented the bombings and explosions, random shelling and assassinations,” she said.

 

The army denied it was behind the leaflets or unrest.

 

A military source from al-Saqr (falcon) Brigade, speaking on condition of anonymity, urged the residents to stay, saying Iraqi troops were in control.

 

“There is no spot in Doura without a patrol or a checkpoint to preserve security in the district,” he said.

 

The source claimed that “security was maintained in all areas of Doura and the army had enough reinforcements to meet any emergency.”

 

“There is no reason for the residents to be afraid or worried,” the source added.