Raids Reported to Cause Iraqi Food Shortages

NICOSIA, Cyprus —  Allied air raids have caused such severe food shortages in Iraq that residents have been forced to pay more than $2,500 for a sack of flour, Iran’s national news agency IRNA reported today.

“According to those who have fled Iraq in recent days and sought asylum in Iran, a sack of flour is sold at 800 dinars ($2,560 at the official rate) on the free market,” IRNA said.

The amount of flour provided under a government subsidized rationing system fell short of the daily needs of many people and was of poor quality, it said. But rationing has ensured families receive enough food to keep starvation at bay.

A U.N. embargo on exports to Iraq coupled with a naval and air blockade of the country for its invasion of Kuwait last August have badly affected food supplies.

Allied air raids on bridges and roads have intensified recently, making it even more difficult to transport food and other daily necessities in Iraq.

The U.S.-led alliance says the air strikes are aimed at cutting off vital supplies to Iraqi troops in occupied Kuwait ahead of an expected ground offensive to drive them out.

IRNA said food shortages were particularly acute in Basra, Iraq’s second-biggest city, which has experienced daily raids since the outbreak of the Gulf War Jan. 17.

“In Basra, most bridges, mosques, schools and residential areas have been destroyed . . . those who have fled say no one is immune anywhere in Iraq from the fire of the U.S.-led forces,” IRNA said.

It quoted refugees as saying gasoline was not being sold to people in cities that are the target of air and missile attacks in order to prevent them from fleeing.