CNN REPORTS: RED CROSS SAYS THEY ARE RUNNING OUT OF FOOD AND DRUGS IN SADR CITY

NEW: U.S. soldier killed in small-arms attack; U.S. death toll at 4,047
Fighting in Shiite neighborhood leaves main market in ruins, agency says
Hospitals in area run out of anesthesia and dressing supplies
Red Cross supplies 10,000 liters of drinking water daily to Sadr City

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/04/23/iraq.main/index.html

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Weeks of fighting in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood have destroyed the main market and isolated civilians from supplies of food and water, the International Committee of the Red Cross warned Wednesday.

In addition, several hospitals in the predominantly Shiite neighborhood have run out of basic medical supplies, including anesthesia and dressings, the Red Cross said.

The Red Cross said Sadr City's largest market, al-Jamila, "used to provide enough supplies to cover everyday needs" before it was destroyed in the recent fighting.
"People are now short of food, especially as prices of fresh vegetables have increased considerably," it said.

The Red Cross managed to deliver 24,000 ready-made meals to Sadr City on Wednesday, as well as stock Sadr City General Hospital and two other hospitals with three tons of medical supplies, including anesthetics and intravenous infusion equipment. The relief agency continues to supply 10,000 liters of drinking water daily to the city.

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There was a brief lull in fighting Saturday, the Red Cross said, but it was not enough time to allow residents to stock up on basic supplies or seek medical care.