UN releases $15m to help Iraqis fleeing Fallujah

The UN humanitarian chief has released 15 million dollars in emergency aid to provide life-saving assistance to more than 85,000 people forced to flee recent fighting and military operations in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, Fox News reported Tuesday.

Stephen O'Brien said that "people escaping Fallujah are in desperate need of assistance" and need urgent help "before this situation becomes a humanitarian catastrophe."

He said 15 million dollars is a small portion of the 65 million dollars needed to respond to Fallujah's needs, and he called on donors to urgently provide additional funds.

A UN appeal for 861 million dollars for Iraq this year is only 36 percent funded.

Fallujah was the first Iraqi city to fall to Islamic State extremists in January 2014.

Many Daesh militants have been routed but Iraqi forces were still battling remnants on Monday. 

Source ; MENA