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U.S. Continues Humanitarian Airdrops in Northern Iraq

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TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 12, 2014 –The U.S. military has carried out a fifth airdrop of food and water to thousands of Iraqis threatened by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant on Mount Sinjar.

This airdrop was conducted from multiple airbases within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and included one C-17 and three C-130 cargo aircraft that together dropped a total of 76 bundles of supplies. U.S. fighter aircraft in the area supported the mission.

The C-17 dropped 40 container delivery system bundles of fresh drinking water totaling 3,804 gallons. In addition, the three C-130s dropped 36 bundles totaling 11,088 meals ready to eat and 1,331 gallons of fresh drinking water.

To date, in coordination with the government of Iraq, U.S. military aircraft have delivered more than 85,000 meals and more than 20,000 gallons of fresh drinking water, providing much-needed aid to the displaced Yezidis, who urgently require emergency assistance.

The United States military will continue to work with the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, as well as international partners including the government of Iraq, the United Nations, and non-government organizations to assess the need for additional humanitarian operations in Iraq going forward.
 

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