03 August 2014

There have been a number of new developments on the ground between last night and this afternoon:

Most significant is the third attempt by the ISIL armed groups to assault Haditha. Fierce clashes took place around the town, but the gunmen were not able to penetrate into the town; on the contrary, there was a fierce response by the 'Awakenings', tribal, and the security forces supporting them, in addition to the participation of airforce. We do not yet have any casualty assessment arising out of nearly four days of military operations.

In Al-Baghdadi, between Haditha and Hit, the Ayn Al-Asad military base was hit by rocket fire, but we do not yet know the outcome. An 'Awakenings' position in Al-Baghdadi was targeted by an explosive device. Flyers were also distributed warning those who support the security forces of being killed if they do not declarer their 'repentance'. 

In Hit, one individual was killed by a silenced weapon in the town center, prompting an investigation, and closing down of some districts through a partial curfew.

In Ramadi, clashes resumed in the city's western sector, in districts that are still controlled by the gunmen. Other parts of Ramadi appear to be secure and have not experienced any military activity. We have taped a large demonstration by hundreds of Ramadi residents who were demanding the intervention of the security forces and government officials to allow them to enter the city to seek new ways of making a living, following the destruction of their homes in central and southern Ramadi.

In Fallujah, numerous residential districts were bombarded yesterday; 4 residents, including one woman, were killed and 7 others, including 2 women and a child, were wounded as a result.

In Al-Garma, the situation is unchanged, with shelling and intermittent clashes continuing in most of the town's districts, including some government buildings and positions, such as the, water, electricity, and health centers.