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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

April 10, 2003
Release Number: 03-04-97


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


U.S. MARINES SECURE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS BUILDINGS

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. Marines from the First Marine Expeditionary Force secured two critical International Committee of the Red Cross operations centers Wednesday evening, preventing looters and paramilitary forces from disrupting assistance and patient care in Baghdad.

Regimental Combat Team 7 (RCT-7) secured the area around the ICRC compound, taking control of the ICRC Headquarters building and a nearby warehouse. The Marines will continue to provide local security to the operations of the ICRC and its staff.

"It was essential to secure those buildings for the Iraqi people's benefit," said Major Krista McKinley, I MEF Combat Operations Center, Civil Affairs Officer.

U.S. Marines have entered the city of Baghdad to facilitate the introduction of humanitarian services while rooting out paramilitary and terrorist enemy forces inciting lawlessness in the city.

"The Iraqi regime has repeatedly proven they will station their forces and equipment in Mosques, medical facilities, and civilian schools without regard for the people those organizations serve. The Marine Corps is committed to protecting those sites and will continue to assist international organizations serving the Iraqi people," said Colonel Dennis Judge, I MEF Current Operations Officer.

No Marines, enemy forces or civilian personnel were wounded in the mission.