Humanitarian Aid Continues Despite Increase of Combat Operations

The surge in combat operations isn't all fighting, humanitarian missions are also on the rise such as this report from Baqouba where Iraqi and US Troops are not only fighting against al-Qaeda but are also delivering food and water to the residents:

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Task Force Lightning Soldiers continued delivering food and water to the people of Baqouba Monday as major operations to remove al-Qaida from the city entered their seventh day.

Since the beginning of the humanitarian effort, ISF and Coalition Forces have distributed more than 56,000 pounds of rice and more than 58,000 pounds of flour throughout the city and its surrounding area. They have also distributed thousands of bottles of fresh water along with the food.

“Now that we have begun to clear al-Qaida out of Baqouba, we can begin to place more effort into helping the people of the city,” said Col. Steve Townsend, commander, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. “The government is working to distribute these supplies as fast as they can, and the improved security in the area will help to make that possible.”

As combat operations continued throughout the city, CF detained two men after discovering several grenades, rifles and handguns in their vehicle. The grenades were destroyed and the weapons confiscated as the men were held for further questioning.

In other neighborhoods, Task Force Lightning Soldiers discovered an improvised explosive device factory containing pipe bomb making materials including over 100 metal cylinders, metal plates in the process of being cut into end caps and various metal cutting tools. Furthermore, local citizens continue to be a valuable source of information for ISF and CF operating in Baqouba. Tips from concerned citizens have led to the discovery of many caches and buried IEDs during the sweep of the city, making Iraq safer for Iraqis and not so safe for insurgents and terrorists who only seek to cause chaos.