09/06/2013
The United States strongly condemns the terrible events that took place at Camp Ashraf on September 1, which resulted in a significant loss of life of camp residents.
The United States is deeply concerned by this tragic violence and has been in constant contact with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq, or UNAMI, as well as Iraqi government officials since reports of the attack surfaced. The Government of Iraq has initiated an investigation, and the U.S. has urged that it proceed in an expeditious and transparent manner.
The United Nations also condemned the attack on Camp Ashraf. "The use of violence against a civilian population," said the U.N High Commissioner for Refugees, "is unacceptable in any circumstance. We call on the Iraqi authorities to immediately ensure the security of the residents. It is important that the violence stop and that medical help be urgently provided for the wounded.
Camp Ashraf houses members of the Iranian exile group Mujahedin-e-Khalq, or MEK. The MEK’s members were supported by the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who established them at Camp Ashraf in Diyala province, Iraq.
In 2012, per the terms of the December 25, 2011, Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and the government of Iraq, most members of the MEK were moved from Camp Ashraf to Camp Hurriya outside of Baghdad in order for the U.N. to evaluate their international protection needs and options for relocation outside Iraq.
The United States urges the Iraqi government to secure the camp against any further violence or harm to the residents. It is the responsibility of the Government of Iraq and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of residents at both Camp Ashraf and Camp Hurriya.
The U.S. affirms the call by UNAMI for a full and independent investigation into this attack and looks forward to learning the results as soon as possible. Those found to be responsible must be held fully accountable.
- Technology Report
- Health Report
- Education Report
- Economics Report
- Arts & Culture
- Ask a Teacher
- Words And Their Stories
- AS IT IS
- Everyday Grammar
- This is America
- Science in the News
- In the News
- American Stories
- Trending Today
- U.S. History
- America's National Parks
- America's Presidents
- Agriculture Report
- Explorations
- People in America
U.S. Condemns Attack At Ashraf
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Related Articles
- Washington Week: Obama to Lobby for Syria Strike (13/9/8)
- Obama Appeals to Wary Lawmakers on Syria (13/9/6)
- US Strike on Syria May Have Unintended Consequences (13/9/6)
- US Weighs Boosting Training for Syrian Rebels (13/9/6)
- Heart Patients More Likely to Take Medication When in Single Pill (13/9/7)
- Voters in US Heartland Wary of Military Action in Syria (13/9/5)
- Education is Key to Mali Reconstruction (13/9/6)
- Syria's Neighbors Weigh Fallout of US Strike (13/9/6)
- Russian Conservatism on Gay Issues Provokes Clash With West (13/9/4)
- Americans Express Skepticism About Syria Strikes (13/9/5)