Falluja residents who fled still fearful of escalating violence
- 10 years ago
Thousands of civilians have streamed out of Falluja since Al Qaeda-linked militants seized control over the city.
The city's clean-up has started, and the residents who stayed are now calling on their neighbors to return.
But some Falluja residents - now living in the city of Arbil - remain hesitant.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MAN FROM FALLUJA, ABDULKARIM, SAYING:
"When we were told that the army will conduct an attack on the city we became worried because we felt we civilians could become the victims. When the army enters the city there will be clashes in the streets with armed groups, and we know that there will be many victims because we've been through this before several times in Falluja."
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has promised to crush al Qaeda in Iraq, but has said the tanks and troops surrounding Falluja will not enter the city if local tribes expel the militants themselves.
This man doesn't want to get caught in the cross-fire.
(SOUNDBIT
The city's clean-up has started, and the residents who stayed are now calling on their neighbors to return.
But some Falluja residents - now living in the city of Arbil - remain hesitant.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MAN FROM FALLUJA, ABDULKARIM, SAYING:
"When we were told that the army will conduct an attack on the city we became worried because we felt we civilians could become the victims. When the army enters the city there will be clashes in the streets with armed groups, and we know that there will be many victims because we've been through this before several times in Falluja."
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has promised to crush al Qaeda in Iraq, but has said the tanks and troops surrounding Falluja will not enter the city if local tribes expel the militants themselves.
This man doesn't want to get caught in the cross-fire.
(SOUNDBIT