Iraqi violence sparks increase in internal refugees [View All]

Iraqi violence sparks increase in internal refugees
By Ahmed Rasheed

BAGHDAD, Dec 28 (Reuters) - More than 108,000 displaced Iraqis have registered for government help in the last month, government data showed on Thursday, indicating a sharp increase in internal refugees amid soaring sectarian violence.

"The main reason behind the rise in displaced families is the deterioration of the security situation and the death threats that people have received to flee their houses, in addition to the bombing of safe areas," Deputy Migration Minister Hamdiya Ahmad told Reuters.

Since the Feb. 22 bombing of a Shi'ite shrine in Samarra sparked a wave of killings between majority Shi'ites and minority Sunnis 72,000 displaced families, or 432,000 people, have registered for government aid, Ahmad said.

The figures represent a steep rise from the 54,000 families -- 324,000 people -- who had registered with the ministry for help until mid-November.

According to U.N. figures another 100,000 Iraqis a month leave the country.

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