Iraq conflict causes 'double crisis' for refugees

Sudden intense fighting in Iraq has prompted a "double crisis" in the region, with Iraqi refugees compounding the already heavy burden of the Syrian refugee crisis, said Don Alan,* a Christian leader in the region.

Half a million Iraqis left Mosul last week when the city fell under attacks by extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), fleeing with their families into Kurdish-ruled northern Iraq and neighboring countries. Thousands more have flooded out of other parts of Iraq besieged by militants.

The thousands of Iraqi refugees join the overwhelming crowd of their Syrian neighbors -- the 6.5 million people displaced within Syria and 3 million Syrian refugees who have fled to nearby countries in the four years since the Syrian crisis began.

"This creates a double crisis at a time when we can barely handle Syria," Alan said.

Christian workers in contact with Iraqi refugees are providing water, infant formula and other provisions, he said. "The need for simple things like water, food and tents is what is pushing people right now. We have released some initial support and hopefully can mobilize some more."

Right now, the need is staggering and resources are few, Alan said. And the fighting only continues to worsen. Keep reading

See also
Iraq crisis: Muslims will suffer just as much as Christians