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COALITION JOINT TASK FORCE - SEVEN

NEWS RELEASE

DSN 318.438.2289/COM 99.001.468.2289

May 8, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coalition Efforts Aid Iraq's Recovery

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait - Coalition forces continue to assist in developing a safer and more secure environment in Iraq.  Among recent activities:

· The Italian convoy to Baghdad arrived Wednesday morning and included a field hospital and medical supplies.  Italian paramilitary police, the Carabinieri, accompanied the convoy.

· Marines in Al Hillah provided security to gas stations due to current fuel shortages.  Reserve Marines continued training recruits in the police academy and we continued joint Iraqi-Marine police patrols.  Civil Affairs coordinated an additional $175,000 emergency funds payment from the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA).

· Marines received a list of 300 acceptable police trainees selected in a vote by local citizens and government leadership in As Samawah.  A two-day training program for selectees will be initiated this weekend.  Marines also conducted four joint Iraqi-Marine patrols and manned five joint Traffic Control Points. 

· Marines conducted numerous joint patrols with the local police in Ad Diwaniyah. They also set the local police up in static positions, which they will soon guard themselves.  An additional 100 policemen were hired on May 7.  Marines continue to guard banks containing government funds, and are awaiting the city council's plan for distribution. 

· Marines have begun to turn over selected security duties to local police in Karbala.  Civil affairs personnel conducted a fourth day of training for the specially selected police cadre. Trainers accompanied cadre members on a number of night patrols through the city to evaluate their performance and ability to apply tactics taught during the course.  Marines have coordinated a television announcement encouraging Iraqis to bring weapons to designated areas to turn them in.

· About 4,500 police have reported for duty in Baghdad.

· Electrical power in An Nasiriyah, As Samawah and Ar Rumaythah has been restored. 

· Marine civil affairs personnel conducted payment of fire, irrigation and electric power plant employees in Dhi Qar Province.

· Civil Affairs personnel are working to make a TV Station in Al Amarah fully operational by purchasing a generator, satellite dish and an air conditioning unit.  Power is slowly being restored in the area by UK forces making the necessary repairs.

· The British are moving 10 rail containers filled with donated food to the city of Umm Qasr.

· UK forces continue to supply food every other day in Safwan.  Additionally, the old food distribution system was reactivated, entitling anyone with a food slip indicating they live or work in Safwan province, with food for their family.

· Approximately 600 people attended the first-ever Umm Qasr town meeting at the elementary school.  It lasted two hours and focused on the accomplishments of the council and their vision for the short-term future.  The meeting also allowed anyone to speak, and several individuals voiced their concerns.  The military commander proposed elections for the town council at the end of this week.

· Train service between Baghdad to Basrah was reestablished, and officials are optimistic about reestablishing passenger train service from Baghdad to Mosul and Al Qaim. 

· Another four Iraqi soldiers captured during Operation Iraqi Freedom were released after accepting parole.  There were 7,484 Iraqis who've been paroled to date.  Additionally, 3,696 were released after determining they were noncombatants.  Currently, approximately 1,924 enemy prisoners of war are being detained by the Coalition.

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