Iraq govt says no major Ramadi offensive

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L20818888.htm

Iraq govt says no major Ramadi offensive


RAMADI, Iraq, June 20 (Reuters) - Fear of a possible U.S. military offensive kept many Iraqis off the streets in Ramadi on Tuesday and many shops closed but an Iraqi official said there was no plan for a major assault in the western city.

The Red Cross voiced concern on difficult living conditions in Ramadi, nearly three days after the U.S. military completed a cordon of troops and checkpoints around the city of 400,000. The military said people were free to enter and leave Ramadi.

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A Reuters reporter in the city saw several tanks move around on Monday. He said the town was quiet on Tuesday. Many shops were closed and many people stayed in their homes.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement on Tuesday: "Food and medical supplies are running low, public services have almost ground to a halt and residents are reportedly trying to flee the area."