Convoys of humanitarian relief to the people of Fallujah were blocked or delayed by attacks over the last few days. On April 12, a convoy carrying food, water and blood was delayed and rerouted when Coalition forces escorting the convoy discovered improvised explosive devices along its route. A second humanitarian convoy was hit by IEDs and small arms fire before it reached the city. Coalition forces returned fire and called in a helicopter gunship to destroy the enemy. The convoy safely reached the city. Enemy forces had previously attacked a humanitarian convoy in Fallujah with mortar rounds on April 9.
It is clear by the attacks on humanitarian aid convoys carrying vital supplies to the people of Fallujah that these terrorists are willing to harm the people of Iraq to carry out their own agenda. The Coalition will continue to help humanitarian and medical aid get to the city of Fallujah, despite these attempts by the enemy. Marines assisted ambulances from Baghdad into Fallujah April 12 to treat the wounded in the city, and coordinated further medical supplies and assistance for the city general hospital.
The Coalition continued to facilitate talks between the Iraqi Governing Council delegation, Al Anbar Provincial council and the leaders of Fallujah. The convoy carrying members of the Al Anbar provincial council involved with negotiations yesterday was attacked with mortars while trying to leave the city. These tactics threaten the peace that Fallujah and all Iraq are working towards, and Coalition forces will continue to defend those innocent Iraqis from harm by eliminating that enemy threat. |