Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070630-07
June 30, 2007

Government reinstates food distribution program in Baqouba
Multinational Division North-PAO
 
BAQOUBA, Iraq – Iraqi government officials moved more than 60 truckloads of government food supplies from Baghdad to Baqouba June 29, while troops continued to clear the city of al-Qaida operatives during Operation Arrowhead Ripper.

The government food supplies, in addition to the humanitarian relief efforts provided by Baqouba based Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces, marked the beginning of a sustained food distribution program that should help alleviate future food shortages for Baqouba residents.

This delivery of food supplies reinstates a food rationing program by the Iraqi government, which was interrupted nearly 10 months ago by al-Qaida terrorists. The food distribution plan is being finalized by Diyala provincial officials.

“The city will see the government can and will take care of the population,” said Lt. Col. Fred Johnson, deputy commander of the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.  “Because of the defeat of al-Qaida the people are getting the services that they deserve.”

Operation Arrowhead Ripper has been ongoing since June 18. The operation was executed to rid Baqouba and the surrounding area of al-Qaida, bringing security back to the capital of Diyala province. The operation has involved both humanitarian assistance to the people and combat missions.

Since the beginning of the operation, ISF and Coalition Forces have provided more than 394,000 pounds of rice and flour to residents of Baqouba and handed out over 16,000 vegetarian humanitarian rations.

Since the operation started, at least 60 al-Qaida operatives have been killed, 87 have been detained, 39 weapons caches have been discovered, 89 improvised explosive devices have been destroyed and 18 booby-trapped structures have been destroyed.

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