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
August 31, 2004
Release Number: 04-08-95
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE IRAQ MEDIA UPDATE 31 AUGUST 2004
BAGHDAD - Throughout Iraq, Multi-National Forces are working to transfer responsibility to the Iraqi National Guard, border police and Iraqi police. Iraqi National Guard units are continuing to operate independently, providing additional security throughout Iraq.
MNF-I efforts continue to focus on supporting IIG restoration of basic utility services in Najaf as well as other reconstruction efforts. As part of this support, MNF-I has focused its support with civil-military teams to work with Iraqi forces and local government. MNF-I Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams also cleared and destroyed 44 IEDs in the last 48 hours in Najaf.
MNF continue to conduct patrols in order to deny anti-Iraqi forces the terrain and sanctuary they use to conduct attacks against Iraqis and the coalition forces.
In north-central Iraq, a newly graduated class of Iraqi National Guardsmen will participate in joint patrols with the 1/4 CAV.
The 1st Cavalry Division reported indirect fire attack in Baghdad about 8:36 a.m. today. There were no reported damages, no injuries.
In Al Amarah, there were four separate mortar attacks this morning at approximately 9:00 a.m. Eight rounds were fired in total, all impacting outside the coalition base. There were no injuries reported.
Humanitarian Assistance Support: Since March 2004, the Humanitarian Operations Center in Kuwait has coordinated the movement of $34.5 million dollars in humanitarian donations from and through Kuwait to all Multi-National Divisions in Iraq. Donations were distributed to Iraqi Ministries, hospitals, medical clinics, schools, orphanages, NGOs, and Iraqi citizens.
Opening of Karadah Youth Center: The 478th Civil Affairs Battalion planned and obtained funding from USAID for an educational and recreational youth center in Karadah that will offer computer instruction classes, internet access and a neighborhood library, after it opens on 4 Sept, to educate over 2,400 Baghdad youths per week.
An Najaf Teaching Hospital: Rehabilitation of the An Najaf Teaching Hospital began on 28 Aug by an Iraqi contractor hired by the Project Contracting Office. The Iraqi National Guard will maintain security until that responsibility is assumed by the Ministry of Health Facility Protection Service. The initial work is projected to be completed, with the hospital ready to be reopened, by 21 Sept 2004.
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