Zeinab Issam killed by a “stray” bullet fired by U.S. troops

The family of 15-year-old Zeinab Issam, gathered to mourn her in the wake of her killing by a “stray” bullet fired by U.S. troops at their base near the notorious Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

During the U.S. occupation of Iraq, the torture and murder of thousands of prisoners by U.S. service personnel at Abu Ghraib sparked international outrage.

Issam was hit while harvesting vegetables near her home, to sell and earn $2 at a local market to support her impoverished family.

Issam’s family and locals say residents in the area have previously fallen victim to U.S. bullets from the base, and that they are effectively hostage in their own homes every morning when U.S. troops conduct exercises. But one eyewitness said that at the time Issam was hit, there was no activity at the base, adding that she was “targeted”.

Locals criticize Iraqi authorities’ failure to follow up on complaints about the base, and one resident said their typical response is: "If you don't like it, you can leave the area."