Iraqi, Coalition Soldiers Distribute Food, Toys to Families in Need

By Guest Column —— Bio and Archives May 4, 2008

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By Sgt. Daniel T. West, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office FOB DELTA — Iraqi SF and American Soldiers recently gave humanitarian assistance to more than 200 families in the Zuwarijat district of al-Kut, 163 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, as part of Op Thunder II.

The humanitarian mission furthered the operation’s goal of establishing a permanent ISF presence in the area. "During Op Thunder II, ISF occupied 3 buildings to serve as temporary JSS until a permanent facility is built," said Col. Peter Baker, cmdr of the 214th Fires Brigade. Zuwarijat, like the Sadr area of Baghdad, was used by Saddam Hussein as a place for people he considered undesirable, said Capt. Adnan, of the IP. The standard of living is very low. The ISF moved into the area to show residents of Zuwarijat the strength of the SF and give them the opportunity to support ISF in finding criminals, Adnan said. "The IA led the mission, with the support of IP and assistance in planning from American forces." Baker said the missions were a good example of ISF growth. “They are more skilled and better with planning. It’s a tremendous growth in capacity in a short time.”