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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070816-06
August 16, 2007

Iraqi officials lead Nineveh recovery efforts
Multi-National Division – North PAO

KHAHTANIYA, Iraq – Local, provincial and central government leaders converged in western Nineveh province as 3rd Iraqi Army Division soldiers and emergency workers in the villages of Khahtaniya and al Jazeera continued their determined rescue efforts in the wake of five vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks, which killed an estimated 275 and wounded 400, Aug. 14.

Iraq’s Minister of Health, Abd al Samad Raham Sultan; Governor Duraid Kashmoula, Nineveh’s provincial governor; and mayors from surrounding cities and towns such as Mayor Najim Abdullah of Tal Afar, were greeted with cheers by citizens and relief workers. The group walked the streets assessing damages in both villages and interacting with citizens.

“So far the accounting of casualties has been very speculative,” said Col. Stephen Twitty, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.  “The villagers and rescue workers are still trying to find those missing; and their efforts, and those of the local, provincial and central government leadership, along with the ISF here, have been tremendous.  These people are clearly unified in this effort.”

Abd al Samad Raham Sultan delivered funds to city officials in order to provide immediate relief for damaged-home claims.

Soldiers from 3rd Iraqi Army Division, in conjunction with CF from 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, and 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment, are assisting the recovery efforts.  3rd IA has provided earth-moving equipment, and food and medical supplies to the villages and Iraqi police are securing the areas.

“This is an act of desperation by a group of maniacs who continue to offer only death, destruction and violence to the innocent citizens of Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, commanding general, 25th Infantry Division and Multinational Division-North. “The efforts of the 3rd IA soldiers are heroic as they continue to work tirelessly to save as many citizens as they can, proving their commitment to all of Iraq’s people regardless of ethnicity or sect.”

Coalition Forces have provided 2,880 humanitarian meals, 4,608 bottled waters and vast amounts of medical supplies to include medicines and bandages.  Coalition Forces also have airlifted 5,760 additional meals with 3,500 more being coordinated for distribution, and enough medical supplies to support approximately 2,000 casualties.

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