According to information that the ICRC in Baghdad was able to gather on the circumstances of Mr Arslanian's death, two vehicles in which he and other ICRC staff members were travelling were caught in crossfire. Mr Arslanian died instantly. A total of 13 people are reported to have been killed in the same incident, which involved five other cars.

The ICRC and its staff are deeply distressed by the loss of their friend and colleague. The International Committee extends its heartfelt sympathy to Mr Arslanian's family.

Balthasar Staehelin, the ICRC's Delegate-General for the Middle East and North Africa, said "the courageous decision by six ICRC expatriates to stay in Baghdad voluntarily during the worst of the fighting made a marked difference to the lives of thousands of people. Mr Arslanian was one of those six and we can find some solace in knowing that he helped to make that difference".

The ICRC team in Baghdad will hold a day of mourning on Thursday 10 April.

The ICRC will assess the situation in Baghdad with a view to deciding its future course of action. In the meantime, ICRC staff based in Arbil and Basra are pursuing their humanitarian activities.