Violence in and around the Iraqi city of Fallujah, in control of Armed tribal fighters for months, has killed at least 295 people since late last year, AFP cited a doctor saying Wednesday.
At least 1,296 people have also been wounded in the area, a short drive west of Baghdad, between December 30 and May 7, Dr Ahmed Shami, chief medic at the city’s main hospital, told AFP.
The actual toll may be higher, as dead and wounded may have been taken to other hospitals or not at all.
Iraqi Security forces have periodically clashed with armed tribes in areas around Fallujah, but the main source of casualties in the city has been persistent government shellfire that has especially targeted southern neighborhoods.
Bombardment in various areas of Fallujah killed seven people and wounded 45 from Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, Shami said.
Analysts and diplomats say widespread anger in the minority Sunni Arab community over mistreatment at the hands of the Shiite-led authorities has played a major role in the violence.
More than 3,100 people have been killed already this year, according to AFP figures based on security and medical sources.