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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

July 19, 2003
Release Number: 03-07-60


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


OPERATION SODA MOUNTAIN HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS HELP IRAQIS

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition forces performed a number of successful humanitarian projects, to enhance the long-term stability throughout Iraq, in support of Operation Soda Mountain, which ended on July 17.

The 4th Infantry Division engineers opened the Buffalo Soldier Bridge, which spans the Tigris River, on July 17. The completion of the bridge project marks the first completed joint project between the 4th ID's 14th Engineer Battalion and local Iraqis. The bridge, which had been damaged by erosion, is now safe for civilian as well as military traffic.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) delivered 50,000 liters of water to the village of Musaid, located approximately 17 kilometers west of Mosul, free of charge. Musaid does not have a water pipeline or well to provide adequate water. Truck delivered water is expensive due the distance of Musaid from a reliable water source. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st AD has started a drinkable water delivery program to help small villages and towns in the area surrounding Mosul.

The 122nd Engineer Battalion of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment met with school principals, community representatives and parents throughout Al Anbar to democratically discuss plans to improve the schools. The meeting, sponsored by the U. S. Agency for International Development, gives schools up to $20,000 to purchase supplies such as chalk, desks, fans, paper, pencils and other scholastically related materials.

The 1st Armored Division continued the renovation of six medical clinics. Additionally, The 1st AD continued with their major ongoing projects, which includes fuel, food and medical supply distribution as well as coordinating supplies for the upcoming student exams.

The 3rd Infantry Division coordinated the delivery of an X-ray, dental chair and office furniture to the Taji and Mandy Al Batchechy medical clinics.

Coalition forces were also successful in the security portion of Operation Soda Mountain conducting 141 raids resulting in 678 individuals detained, including 64 former regime leaders. Additionally, Coalition forces captured 4,297 mortar rounds, 1,346 rocket-propelled grenades and 635 weapons, 509 hand grenades as well as various other weapons.

Elsewhere, Coalition forces continued aggressive patrols throughout the country over the last 24 hours conducting 19 raids, 1,100-day patrols and 897-night patrols. They also jointly patrolled with the Iraqi Police conducting 132-day patrols and 123-night patrols. Independently, the Iraqi Police conducted 11-day patrols and 21 night patrols. The total raids and patrols resulted in 147 arrests for various criminal activities including five for murder, one for kidnapping, 18 for car jacking, 15 for aggravated assault, six for burglary and eight for looting.

For further information contact the CJTF-7 Coalition Press Information Center at 914 360-5082/5089 or cpic.pressdesk.iraq@us.army.mil.

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