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
October 5, 2004
Release Number: 04-10-13
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARINES MAKE CONDOLENCE PAYMENTS IN NAJAF
FOB DUKE, Iraq - Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit distributed more than $200,300 today in condolence and collateral damage repair payments to demonstrate goodwill to Iraqis caught in the crossfire as multi-national and Iraqi security forces battled to free Najaf and its citizens from Muqtada al-Sadr and his fighters in August.
The first payments were made on Sept. 20, resulting in a total of $367,300 paid to the citizens of Najaf since then. Payments will continue as long as needed to meet each valid case.
Condolence payments, known as solatia, are being paid to express sympathy to those injured or who lost a family member during the fighting. Collateral damage repair payments are intended for Iraqis who experienced damage to their home, business or other property.
Subsequently, MEU Marines continue to spend millions of dollars to contract local Iraqi businessmen and workers to repair public infrastructure damaged during the fighting.
"We are working hard to demonstrate goodwill to the people of Najaf who incurred loses during fighting in August," said Col. Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer, 11th MEU. "Now that Najaf is stable and under control of Iraqi security forces, we're working with the local government around the clock to rebuild and revitalize this city for its people."
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE COMBINED THE 11 MEU PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT batsoncc@11meu.usmc.mil.
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