On 16 January, the ICRC sub-delegation and the Directorate of Civil Defense in Najaf organized a
field visit to Al-Ruhba area in order to install warning signs to indicate areas still contaminated
with remnants of a cluster bomb from 2003.

Over the last month, Najaf governorate has witnessed two incidents where civilians – including children – were killed or injured when picking up unexploded ordnance that had reappeared following heavy rains. Al-Ruhba area lies in the desert close to Najaf and has seen heavy bombardment during the war, in 1991 as well as 2003, as it was a military zone at that time.

The ICRC team inspected the contaminated area together with the Explosive Ordnance
Department of the Civil Defense and installed warning signs around the contaminated area,
which is also close to a shrine and hence visited by many pilgrims. They also met with the
affected community who, since 1991, count 25 victims among them, both injured and killed.

The ICRC also supports the physical rehabilitation centre in Najaf and victims have been
referred to the centre for the fitting of prosthetic limbs.