Camp Ashraf under attack

8 April 2011

Iraqi forces under al-Maliki command at the behest of the Iranian Regime massacre unarmed defenseless Ashraf residents members of Iranian opposition PMOI/MEK

Ashraf events Timeline of events leading to April 8 massacre

The background
1. On midnight April 2, Iraqi suppressive forces moved into Ashraf with 30 BMP armored vehicles and Humvees taking positions north of Ashraf. Ashraf residents and the National Council of Resistance, based on the specific information that was received from within the regime, in numerous letters to U.S. officials had announced Maliki plans to implement the demands of Khamenei, and start a new massacre in Ashraf. 2. Sunday April 3, a group of U.S. forces (with seven Humvees) under the command of Colonel Molinari entered Ashraf which gave the residents a piece of mind. On Wednesday, April 6 exactly 36 hours before the start of the massacre Ashraf representatives approached the UNAMI representatives who were accompanied by U.S. officers that were there for their routine weekly visit and informed them that there is a massacre on the way. Ashraf residents urged the U.S. forces and UNAMI to remain in Ashraf and to strengthen their presence. 3. Thursday April 7, Secretary Gates met with Maliki. Ashraf residents expected that this meeting is to warn Maliki not to attack Ashraf, but hours after the meeting on Thursday afternoon, to the surprise of the residents the small contention of American forces that was stationed there since Sunday left Ashraf. While every hour the situation was worsening.

Commencing of the Attack

8. At 4:45 am the attack began with eight battalions from the 5th and 9th Divisions of Iraqi Army attacking defenseless inhabitants. Extensive firing of BMP-1 cannon followed with the machine guns from the armored personnel carriers and snipers continued for six straight hours. 9. A large number of residents were killed in a very short time. From the beginning moments the details of this attack was relayed to the U.S. forces. From the onset the residents of the camp and the Iranian Resistance called for American intervention. The U.S. forces could have easily acted as a deterrent and limit the dimensions of this massacre, but again U.S. forces showed no reaction.

U.S. role

The results of crime

10. So far, 34 people were killed as a result of the attack. 11. More than 300 were injured of whom 169 had direct gunshot wounds while some others were ran over by the Iraqi forces Humvees. 12. A number of the injured were taken as hostage, and some died in the hands of Iraqi forces. Six remaining hostages are on hunger strike. 13. One-third of Ashraf is occupied by the Iraqi forces and many of the residential buildings and has been taken over. 14. Iraqi forces are stealing and plundering the property and assets of the residents and anything that they cannot take, they burn or destroy. 15. According to eyewitness some of the invading forces who were present were fluent in Farsi. Clips clearly show that among the invading Iraqi forces there were a few snipers being protected by other Iraqi forces. The snipers were targeting specific individuals.

Transporting new forces and final preparation

4. Immediately after the meeting on Thursday between noon and midnight Thursday approximately 1500 Iraqi forces were added to those already in Camp Ashraf and their number reached nearly 2500. This kind of speed of the action is unusual by Iraqi standards. Iranian Resistance through their contacts within the Qods force was notified of the transfer of the Iraqi forces to Ashraf and every hour through e- mail and by telephone had informed the U.S. forces every step of the way. 5. U.S. forces were ordered not only to get out of Ashraf, but to keep a distance not too close to Ashraf. 6. The evening of Thursday April 7 there was no doubt that an attack is imminent. Mrs. Rajavi, President elect of the Iranian Resistance on Thursday afternoon in several letters to the Secretary Clinton, President Obama, Secretary Gates, Ambassador Geoffrey, Gen. Mathis, Gen.Austin and many other U.S. officials, warned that an imminent crime is unfolding. But none of these letters had any effect. 7. At midnight we were informed from within the Qods force that the attack is to commence at 4 am. The residents informed the American troops immediately but none of these efforts had any results.

The Condition of the Wounded

16. From the first hours of the attack on Friday morning April 8 Ashraf residents announced that the number of the wounded and the lack of medical equipment will result in the death of more of the injured people and called for U.S. forces to evacuate the injured to U.S. forces hospital in Ballad (near Ashraf). 17. Mrs. Rajavi in a letter to Mrs. Clinton and other U.S. officials made the same request, but unfortunately did not receive any response and the death toll climbs hourly. Of the 34 people who have been killed at least 10 could have been saved with the proper medical equipments and facilities. The Iranian Resistance and Ashraf residents had repeatedly requested for evacuation of the wounded by U.S. forces on days 8 and 9 and 10th of April.

18. On Saturday April 9 U.S. military announced that the Iraqi government does not allow the delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance to the residents. This of course is obvious that if the Maliki government is to allow such a permit it will never materialize, because they are trying to massacre all the inhabitants, but unfortunately U.S. has never used its authority for a humanitarian purpose and save the lives of unarmed innocent people who we have a commitment to protect them.

not have to deal with this tragedy today. 26. If subsequent to the attack, the U.S. forces would have entered the camp and transferred the patients, they would have definitely saved the lives of ten of the wounded.

The threat continues

US forces visit to Ashraf

19. Because of increasing expressions of abhorrence at international level and the criticisms made by the US media about the US role, an American delegation visited Ashraf for the first time on Sunday afternoon, April 10, i.e. 60 hours after the attack. The Iraqi forces and government opposed their entry into the camp; however, in fear of a political scandal in D.C., the US forces neglected Iraqi governments opposition. They even got off their vehicles and removed the obstacles on the road and entered Ashraf before the eyes of Iraqi soldiers who did not want to remove the obstacles. 20. The delegation consisted of the commander of one of the brigades of the US North Division-Iraq as well as some other US officers, representatives from the US embassy, and a medical delegation from the US army. They closely observed the bodies and the wounded who were still in Ashraf. Subsequently last evening, the US forces brought into Ashraf some medication for treating the wounded. Initially, the Iraqi forces prevented entry of medicines, but the US forces disregarded their opposition and entered Ashraf forcibly and took the medicines with them into the camp. 21. On Sunday night, when the American soldiers and physicians were inside Ashraf, a number of the wounded who had been taken to Baquba and Baghdad hospitals were brought back to Ashraf. After examining them, the US physicians found out that the treatment they had received lacked minimum acceptable standards and some of them were in serious risk. 22. On Monday morning, April 11, and after a 72-hour delay, the US forces, for the first time, transferred by helicopters seven wounded residents from Ashraf to the US forces hospital in Balad. Had they done it three days ago, less lives would have been lost now. We hope the US transfers others with critical injuries to the Balad hospital quickly.

27. At the time being, most of the forces that conducted the assault remain in Ashraf and the possibility of another attack and massacre looms in the horizon. Over 1,500 suppressive forces are present inside and outside of Ashraf. There remain 60 armored personnel carriers inside Ashraf with about as many positioned outside the camp. 28. Upon orders from Maliki, there has been sweeping shuffling in Iraqi Army>s Diyala military and security forces so that they would be ready for an attack on Ashraf. For example: 29. Commander of the Diyala Operations was replaced by an element closer to the Iranian regime. 30. A colonel by the name of Tareq has been appointed responsible for Ashraf. He is a Shiite close to the Iranian regime. 31. Maliki removed the Commander of Operations of Diyala because he refused to open fire on the residents. He had stated that Ashraf residents are not showing any aggression against us; and since he refused to kill the residents, he was relieved from his duty. 32. The Iraqi forces continue to bar entry of a monitoring team from UNAMI to Ashraf. Since morning of April 8, Mr. Taher Boumedra, advisor to Ad Melkert, Special Representative to the United States Secretary General for Iraq, on the issue of Ashraf has been trying to come to the camp, but he is not being allowed. 33. The Iranian regime media is continually calling on the alMaliki government and his military forces to Attack and finish the job or else they will face with international charges such as crime against humanity, or war crimes or human rights violations.

Pressing issues

Proven facts

23. The US was fully aware of the imminent attack of the Iraqi forces on Ashraf; 24. Although the US probably did not have a precise assessment on the number of casualties in advance, it knew well that the Iraqi forces would engage the residents with deadly weapons 25. The U.S. did have the power to stop this attack. If Secretary Gates or even Ambassador Jeffrey or General Austin had warned Maliki himself and expressed their vehement opposition to the attack and had the U.S. military unit remained in Ashraf, no doubt such an attack would not have taken place and we did

34. Another attack and creating yet another bloodbath is completely probable; therefore, the most pressing task is to station U.S. forces inside Ashraf and have the Iraqi forces leave with protection being guaranteed by the U.S. forces. This is completely practical. Its political and judicial grounds are laid and are in place. All arguments against it stating that the security agreement does not give permission to the U.S. for such a measure are totally incorrect. These are just pretexts for the U.S. to shoulder away from its particular responsibility here. a. The transfer of the patients should continue and should include all critically wounded residents b. The U.S. should demand the immediate release of Ashrafs six hostages from Iraq c. United Nations should be asked to station its monitoring team in Ashraf on permanent basis

Global Condemnation for the Massacre of Ashraf Residents

UN human rights office
UN News Centre, 12 April 2011 The United Nations human rights office today called for independent observers to be allowed immediate access to a camp north of Baghdad after Iraqi security forces reportedly stormed it last Friday and killed or wounded dozens of residents. Rupert Colville, a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), told reporters today in Geneva that the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) has still not been allowed to enter the camp to independently verify the allegations of serious rights violations last Friday. The EU is deeply disturbed at reports of the use of force against Camp Ashraf residents in Iraq, resulting in casualties. The EU deplores the loss of life. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq has been monitoring the situation there closely, and alongside the UN, the EU has continuously and repeatedly called on the Iraqi government to refrain from the use of violence and to respect the human rights of the Camps residents. This message was reiterated by EU representatives on Monday at a meeting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki himself. The EU calls upon the Iraqi government to grant access to Camp Ashraf to independent international observers in order that they can provide a comprehensive picture of the situation.

Statement by chair of US House Foreign Affairs committe and a ranking member of the committe
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in a joint statement condemning reports of violence against residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq: We condemn all acts of violence perpetrated against the residents of Ashraf, and call on the government of Iraq to immediately reaffirm and meet its obligations to ensure their safety and well-being.

EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton

Tens of members of US House of Representatives

We arc strongly concerned about reports of Iraqi troops killing dozens and injuring hundreds of unanned civilians in Camp Ashraf during the early morning hours of April 8. These treacherous acts are in clear vio lation of international protections of human life- the some 3,400 MEK members living in Camp Ashraf are protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention. The Arab League urged the Iraqi government to handle in a humane manner the residents of Camp Ashraf, who are Iranian Mujahid-e-Khalq refugees housed in the camp since the IranIraq war. The Arab League had held lengthy talks with Iraqi officials, requesting them not to resort to the military option on handling the matter, Deputy Secretary-General, Ahmad bin Helli said in a statement.

Arab League

British Foreign Office Minister deplores the loss of life and injury at Camp Ashraf in Iraq

The UK Government is deeply disturbed to read reports that a number of civilian residents have been killed and many more wounded at Camp Ashraf today. We absolutely deplore such loss of life and injury. We are aware of a request by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to send a humanitarian monitoring mission to Camp Ashraf as soon as possible. We fully support this request and therefore urge the Iraqi Government to quickly grant permission. The U.S. Government is deeply troubled by reports of deaths and injuries resulting from this mornings clash at Camp We reiterate our call for the Iraqi government to live up to its commitments to treat the residents of Ashraf humanely and in accordance with Iraqi law and their international obligations. Malcolm Smart, Director of Amnesty Internationals Middle East and North Africa Programme: This is the latest of a series of violent actions that the Iraqi government has taken against the Camp Ashraf residents, whose continuing presence in Iraq they oppose. Whether they like it or not, the Iraqi authorities are responsible for the security and well-being of Camp Ashrafs residents and this includes providing access to adequate and immediate medical treatment when needed.

Norway condemns violence against Ashraf residents

The Norwegian government has strongly condemned Fridays perpetration of violence by the Iraqi government against unarmed residents in Camp Ashraf. Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said in a statement,

Reporters Without Border

US Department of State

Amnesty International

Reporters Without Borders condemns the information blockade imposed by the Iraqi authorities about the clashes in Camp Ashraf. April 8 attack the army killed nearly 30 people dead st injured many residents. This information blockade is unacceptable security forces deny access to journalists from the camp to hide the atrocities committed against civilians. They attack a targeted and deliberate anyone trying to take pictures of the clashes.

Michael H. Posner, Assistant USG Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
The U.S. Government is deeply troubled by reports of deaths and injuries resulting from this mornings clash at Camp Ashraf. Although we do not know what exactly transpired early this morning at Ashraf, this crisis and the loss of life was initiated by the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi military.Mark C. Toner, Acting Deputy Spokesman said in an statement.

Press Reports
The Guardian: US may have broken international law over Iraqi attack on Iranian camp The Washington Post : Iraqi forces raid camp of Iranian dissidents

A WikiLeaks cable uncovered by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism at City University in London showed the US was aware the Iraqi government planned to crack down on the MEK, with potentially grave humanitarian consequences. If the government of Iraq acts harshly against the MEK and provokes a reaction, warned the US deputy chief of mission in Iraq, Patricia Butenis, in a cable in March 2009, the USG faces a challenging dilemma: we either protect members of a foreign terrorist organisation against actions of the Iraqi security forces and risk violating the US-Iraq security agreement, or we decline to protect the MEK in the face of a humanitarian crisis, thus leading to international condemnation of both the US government and the government of Iraq.

The Washington Post: Iran praises Iraq for deadly raid on exile group it deems terrorist outfit

Irans top diplomat on Saturday praised Iraqi authorities for launching a deadly raid on a camp of Iranian exiles considered terrorists by Tehran.

New York Times: Iraq Blocks US Aid to Camp of Iranian Exiles After Clash

The government of Iraq continued on Saturday to block the delivery of American humanitarian aid to Iranian exiles who were wounded in clashes with the Iraqi Army at a camp north of Baghdad, an American military spokesman said.

Daily Mail: Massacre at Camp Ashraf: Iranians call for international help as Iraqi soldiers run down refugees in armoured trucks, killing 25
Iranian refugees have called for international help to prevent a massacre at Camp Ashraf after Iraqi forces invaded the compound and killed at least 25 people. A full state of alert has been declared by the Iranian group after 65 Iraqi vehicles carrying soldiers entered Ashraf late yesterday, with reports that they are running down and shooting the refugees. Videos have emerged seemingly showing Iraqi troops firing on Iranian refugees and one instance appears to show an Iraqi vehicle ramming a resident and trapping him under its wheels. At least one Iraqi soldier was seen firing from his AK-47 machine gun, but his target was not clear. The video also shows at least six people lying on a the ground, and a dozen of blood-soaked men being treated by doctors. Camp Ashraf resident Shahriar Kia said the dead include six women and said 325 had been wounded in the violence. Behzad Saffari, who has lived at Ashraf for nine years and acts as the camps legal adviser, said: This is a massacre, a catastrophe.

Iraqi security forces in bulldozers and Humvees barreled into a camp that is home to an Iranian opposition group early Friday, an event coinciding with what is likely to be U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gatess last official trip to Iraq, and a replay of a similar entry into the camp during a Gates visit two years ago. Journalists were prevented from entering the sprawling settlement, known as Camp Ashraf, which is home to about 3,000 people and has polished representatives in Paris and lawyers and congressional allies in Washington. The treatment of the Iranian dissidents, known as the Mujaheddin-e-Khalq (MEK), is considered a barometer of whether the U.S. or Iran has more influence over the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The U.S., which has received intelligence from the group on Irans nuclear program and is reviewing its designation as a terrorist organization, has urged the Iraqi government to protect them. The Iranian government would like Iraq to expel them. Traveling in the northern city of Mosul Friday, Gates said U.S. officials were monitoring reports of the clash from nearby and are very concerned with reports of deaths. I urge the Iraqi government to show restraint and live up to their commitments to treat the residents of Ashraf in accordance with Iraqi law and their international obligations, he said. Gates is expected to leave office this year, and is making what is likely to be his last visit to Iraq before stepping down.

Aljazeera TV: Iraq forces raid Iranian dissidents camp

At least 25 killed and scores wounded at Camp Ashraf, prompting calls for restraint from visiting US defence secretary. Iraqi security forces have clashed with residents of an Iranian dissident camp north of Baghdad overnight, killing dozens of them.

Scotsman :Ten killed as Iraq military storms Iran exiles camp

Iraq security forces yesterday raided the settlement of an Iranian exile group that the Shiite-led government has long tried to disband.

The Telegraph:Ten killed as Iraq military storms Iran exiles camp

Iraq security forces yesterday raided the settlement of an Iranian exile group that the Shiite-led government has long tried to disband.