Military

NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

April 15, 2004
Release Number: 04-04-13


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ANTI-COALITION FORCES USE HUMANITARIAN CONVOYS TO FURTHER ATTACKS

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - A convoy of humanitarian goods bound for Fallujah residents contained weapons and ammunition for enemy forces. The convoy was near the city of Saqlawiyah, just west of Fallujah.

In the joint operation, Marines and Iraqi Armed Forces discovered armor piercing rounds, aiming sights for rockets and rifles hidden in bags of grain, rice, and tea. The man detained for transporting the weapons was wearing a poorly made fake Red Crescent uniform in attempt to make the convoy look legitimate.

Marines in Fallujah also engaged an enemy sniper in their zone. The enemy sniper fled the scene in an Iraqi ambulance. Enemy forces have repeatedly used ambulances and humanitarian aid to smuggle combatants and weapons in and out of Fallujah. By using ambulances, they put wounded and dying Iraqis in harm's way, preventing them the services they need to reach medical care. By hiding weapons in the humanitarian convoys, they slow down the much-needed supplies from getting to the residents of Fallujah.

Yesterday in Al Kharma, near Fallujah, a significant number of anti-Iraqi forces assaulted defensive Marine positions close to a residential neighborhood. Marines repelled the assault, with lethal, accurate fire.

The Coalition will continue to help humanitarian and medical aid get to the city of Fallujah, despite these attempts by the enemy.

For more information please contact MAJ JOHNSON at johnsontv@imefdm.usmc.mil. (photos are available on request)

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