IRAQ: AID SHIPMENTS SET TO BEGIN FLOWING WITHIN DAYS AFTER BRITISH TROOPS DECLARE PORT OF UMM QASR SECURE

Record ID: 647607

  • Title: IRAQ: AID SHIPMENTS SET TO BEGIN FLOWING WITHIN DAYS AFTER BRITISH TROOPS DECLARE PORT OF UMM QASR SECURE
  • Date: 27th March 2003
  • Summary: (W6) UMM QASR, IRAQ (MARCH 25, 2003) (REUTERS) 1. SLV IRAQIS FILING DOWN STREET TO GET AID 0.05 2. MV IRAQIS FILLING BUCKETS WITH WATER / CARRYING BUCKETS; SCU YOUNG GIRL; MV PEOPLE WALKING AWAY WITH SUPPLIES (11 SHOTS) 1.02 Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 11th April 2003 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: UMM QASR, IRAQ
  • Country: Iraq
  • Reuters ID: LVAYQN5H4FWL79WF885MZXF27CW
  • Story Text: Aid shipments are set to begin flowing into Iraq within
    days after British troops declared the southern port of Umm
    Qasr secure.

    Commandos from 42 Royal Marines carried out an
    overnight sweep (March 24-25, 2003) around the port city of Umm Qasr
    where they continued to meet stiff resistance from Iraqis in
    the region.

    A Marine Major said the area was now secure "to the best
    of our knowledge" and lessons learned in Northern Ireland were
    being put in to practice on patrols.

    Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Sir Galahad could now dock with
    the first supplies of water, food, medical supplies and other
    emergency relief within 48 hours.

    Mine clearance was under way at the port as it came under
    the control of Britain's 17 Port and Maritime Regiment.

    The 300-400 strong force, normally based at Marchwood,
    near Southampton, was hit by torrential rain as they began
    making it shipshape for aid deliveries.

    The regiment's navigators and pilots will guide ships in
    while others unload the vital cargo which will be sent to 12
    distribution points by 102 Logistics Brigade.

    Dated Russian mines have been discovered at the rundown
    old port but a large, modern replacement built nearby appears
    to be free from explosives.

    Giant cranes on Tuesday stood idle and huge warehouses
    were empty at what should be transformed within days in to the
    main gateway for aid into Iraq.


  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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