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Iraqi families fleeing war-torn Fallujah drown in Euphrates River

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Iraqi families fleeing war-torn Fallujah drown in Euphrates River

Several families fleeing the war-torn city of Fallujah in Iraq have drowned in the Euphrates River after attempting to cross to safety following serious fighting between government and ISIL militants.

The frantic attempt to reach government-controlled areas by thousands of civilians who are caught in the crossfire in and around Fallujah could be one of the reasons for the disaster as some people made their way in makeshift boats.

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The UNHCR confirmed that several people, including children, had drowned while trying to flee the city but could not readily put a figure to the number of victims involved.

The route is one of “safe corridors” provided by the Iraqi army out of the city. Two other passages into government-controlled territory are not being used by civilians due to safety concerns.

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