|
SLUG: 2-301051 Iraq/Oil (S)
DATE:> NOTE NUMBER: |
||
DATE= 3/21/2003 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE= IRAQ/OIL (S)
NUMBER=2-301051 BYLINE= SCOTT BOBB DATELINE= AL-SAYLIYAH, QATAR CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: Coalition forces say they now control important oil installations in southern Iraq, after an overnight landing by British commandos. V-O-A Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from the Al-Sayliyah allied headquarters in Qatar that coalition forces are advancing on the southern cities of Basra and Umm Qasr, near the Gulf coast. TEXT: The British army's media center director, Lt. Colonel Ronnie McCourt, says 40 British marines have established a beachhead on southern Iraq's Faw Peninsula, and have secured important Iraqi oil installations there. /// MCCOURT ACT/// The oil infrastructure has not been damaged, and, thus, any attempt by (Iraq President) Saddam (Hussein) to release oil to create an environmental disaster has been avoided. /// END ACT./// Another spokesman says British anti-mine ships are clearing any mines from coastal waters in order to enable humanitarian assistance to flow into Iraq. Control of the southern cities of Basra and Umm Qasr would also make it possible for additional troops and equipment to be sent to Iraq by sea. The British Defense Ministry says 30 oil wells in the area have been set on fire. (Signed) NEB/SB/AWP/TW |
||
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
