March 22, 2003
Release Number: 03-03-49
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COALITION FORCES LIBERATE UMM QASR, SET STAGE FOR HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT TO IRAQI PEOPLE
UMM QASR, Iraq - Coalition forces secured the port of Umm Qasr in Southern Iraq today at 4 p.m. and have begun the groundwork for beginning the delivery of humanitarian assistance supplies to Iraqi people through this strategic port.
Forces from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 3rd Commando Brigade Royal Marines were involved in the seizure of the port, one of the first objectives in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Securing the port of Umm Qasr will allow international aid agencies to begin the much-needed work of getting humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people.
"We wanted to open the port of Umm Qasr early in this operation in order to ensure continued flow of food and humanitarian supplies to Iraq," said British Royal Marine Lt. Col. Jamie Marton, a senior officer from the 1st U.K. Division working with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. "We are working with the international community to get humanitarian aid where it is needed most."
Initially, coalition forces will manage and operate the port alongside Iraqi civil laborers. Coalition forces are coordinating future port operations and plan to move humanitarian aid with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other non-governmental agencies. Ultimately, port operations and management will be transferred completely to the Iraqi people as soon as possible.
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