Highlights
More than 1,500 families return to Tikrit. Returnees need humanitarian assistance
Close to 300,000 individuals displaced from Ramadi since 8 April
NGOs respond to Sulaymaniyah checkpoint closures
Concern over humanitarian conditions in Ameriyat al-Fallujah and Habbaniya
Insufficient funding continues to limit humanitarian response capacity
Situation Overview
More than 1,500 families (approximately 9,000 individuals) returned to Tikrit City and surrounding areas between 14 and 23 June, after the area was retaken by Iraqi Security Forces in April, according to the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Most of those who returned were Government civil servants who were requested to return. Approximately 80 per cent of Government employees have gone back to the area, local authorities report. Returnees reportedly were required to submit to ID checks, body and vehicle searches before being allowed through manned checkpoints. Authorities have reportedly dismantled 1,700 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and cleared more than 200 booby-trapped houses. The recent returns brings the estimated total number of returnees in Tikrit District to 16,384 families (over 98,000 individuals), according to a partner NGO.
While the Ministry of Health has reportedly opened a health centre and is working on establishing a hospital in Tikrit town, more humanitarian assistance is urgently needed in the Tikrit area, partners report. Electricity is still not being supplied regularly to all areas of Tikrit and only three water tanks in the city are operational. The Governorate authorities have communicated that returnees are in need of food assistance, air coolers and non-food items (NFIs), including kitchen sets, mattresses and blankets.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
In the Kalar area, between Sulaymaniyah and Diyala governorates, the levels of assistance provided to IDPs waiting at the Sheik Langer checkpoint have improved following the installation of water tanks and the distribution of plastic sheeting by NGOs. Local authorities have approved an action plan for response at the checkpoint and have informed OCHA that they will consider certain families waiting at the checkpoint to enter Kalar District, Sulaymaniyah Governorate, once the Tazar De IDP Camp is open.
As of 22 June, 292,314 individuals have been displaced from Ramadi District in Anbar Governorate since the launch of military operations on 8 April, IOM’s DTM reported.
Concerted efforts are under way to improve humanitarian conditions in Anbar Governorate. The Camp Coordination and Management Cluster (CCCM) is providing guidance and technical assistance for new IDP camps. On 18 June, the Iraqi Red Crescent confirmed the establishment of 650 tents at a new camp in Ameriyat al-Fallujah Sub-district. An additional 100 tents will be provided in the coming days.
However, the WASH situation in Anbar Governorate continues to deteriorate, with particular concern for IDPs in Ameriyat al-Fallujah and Habbaniya sub-districts. Only one actor is reportedly distributing chlorinated water. A number of latrines have been delivered without these being installed yet. Plans to rehabilitate the sewage system at Habbaniya Tourist City remain on hold in part due to prevailing security conditions on the ground.
The Health Cluster is working on activating a task force for the delivery of health services in Anbar Governorate.
The health situation in both Habbaniya and Ameriyat al-Fallujah is reportedly deteriorating rapidly with only one health partner currently active in the two areas.