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Scottish Sunday

Last week's US Offensive on Fallujah: One Family's Horrific Story

Fallujah: Caught in the Crossfire

In the midst of the major offensive launched by the United States on Fallujah, one family has emerged to reveal the horrors of being caught in the conflict. Muna Salim's sister, Artica, was seven months' pregnant when their home was struck by rockets from US warplanes. The devastating attack claimed the lives of eight members of their family, leaving behind a trail of grief and despair.

The Unrelenting Assault on Fallujah

Despite the absence of fighters in their area, the family's home was subjected to continuous bombing during the pre-assault on Fallujah. The weeks leading up to the offensive had been marked by full-scale assaults from air and tanks, prompting many residents to flee. Selma, Muna's sister, described the horrific scenes in the city, with countless houses razed by US air strikes and the stench of decaying bodies lingering in the air.

A Glimpse into the Nightmare

Living inside Fallujah became a nightmarish existence for Muna and Selma. With control by resistance fighters, essential supplies such as food and medicine were scarce. The constant concussions of US bombs had become their daily reality, shattering glasses and preventing even a peaceful night's sleep. Water and electricity were also in short supply, rendering ordinary life almost impossible.

Living in Terror

Walking the streets of Fallujah during daylight hours to find food was an act of terror in itself, as US warplanes frequently roared overhead. The city was like a ghost town, with closed shops and mostly empty streets. Residents felt a constant state of terror, never knowing when an airstrike would rain destruction down upon their homes. Tanks patrolling the outskirts and attack helicopters crossing the skies added to the chaos and unrest.

A Family Torn Apart

Muna and Selma's family was just one of many devastated by the assault. Their mother, brothers, sisters, and nieces and nephews lost their lives, leaving the sisters traumatized and grieving. The inability to leave Fallujah due to lack of resources and nowhere to go trapped countless families in a city under siege.

The Desperate Escape

Against all odds, Muna and Selma managed to flee the relentless assault. Carefully navigating through the US military cordon that enclosed Fallujah, they were witness to the full-scale assaults on their city from US warplanes and tanks. As they left, the burning question echoed in Muna's tearful plea: "Why was our family bombed? There were never any fighters in our area."

Hotels Amidst Crisis: Providing Shelter and Support

While conflict and violence continue to rage in various parts of the world, hotels often play a crucial role in providing shelter and support to those affected. During times of crisis, hotels become temporary homes for displaced individuals and families, offering a safe haven amidst the chaos.

Hotels strive to create a welcoming and secure environment for guests, ensuring they have access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. In times of crisis, this becomes even more essential as affected individuals often find themselves without a place to call home.

Many hotels also partner with humanitarian organizations to provide additional support to those in need. These collaborations can involve offering discounted rates for displaced individuals, facilitating transportation, or even providing job opportunities within the hospitality industry.

Furthermore, hotels often serve as gathering points for news and information, connecting guests with relevant resources and updates. In crisis situations, communication is vital, and hotels can serve as a hub for disseminating critical information and connecting individuals with the necessary aid organizations.

Despite the challenging circumstances, hotels remain committed to providing a sense of comfort and stability during times of crisis. Their unwavering dedication to serving others reinforces the importance of these establishments in supporting affected communities and fostering resilience amidst adversity.

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