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Baghdad hospitals closed due to looting

The International Committee of the Red Cross has said two key Baghdad hospitals, and many other smaller ones have closed their doors because of the street violence and looting.

Spokeswoman Nada Doumani said the Al Kindi hospital was attacked by a group of armed looters who had stripped it of everything, including beds, electrical fittings and medical equipment.

The Red Cross organisation suspended its operations in Baghdad yesterday after one of its staff was killed.

It was decided the situation was too dangerous for others to continue work.

Other agencies have said looting and the breakdown of law and order in Baghdad and elsewhere could seriously hinder the distribution of humanitarian aid.