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For Immediate Release
April 16, 2003

Humanitarian Update

On April 11-12, two Kuwaiti Air Force C-130s flew into Baghdad with 24 tons of medical supplies for hospitals and health clinics in the city. The U.S. Army's 1st Medical Corps will deliver supplies after a needs-assessment and as security permits.

The Australian government announced on April 12 that they would provide three planeloads of medical supplies to Baghdad hospital. Australia has earmarked $60 million to date for humanitarian aid to Iraq.

As an indicator of the improved security situation in the North, schools in the three Northern Governorates of Dohuk, Ebril, and Suleimaniyah have reopened and classes have resumed.

The Coalition is trucking fresh water to areas near An Najaf, Karbala and Kirkuk. Local citizens received 700,000 liters of water on Monday.

To increase the flow of aid, the Coalition is clearing a port north of Umm Qasr that is blocked by 36 abandoned Iraqi vessels.