Jan. 30, 2003
Release No: 03-01-23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

COALITION FORCES DROP LEAFLETS IN SOUTHERN IRAQ

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition aircraft dropped 480,000 informational leaflets over southern Iraq today at approximately 11:45 a.m. EST. The leaflets were dropped over populated areas and cable repeater sites.

Leaflets were dropped at or near: An Nasiriya, approximately 170 miles southeast of Baghdad; As Samawah, approximately 130 miles south, southeast of Baghdad; Qal At Sukkar, approximately 130 miles southeast of Baghdad; Al Basrah, approximately 245 miles southeast of Baghdad; and Um Qasr, approximately 265 miles southeast of Baghdad.

This was the ninth leaflet drop over southern Iraq by Coalition aircraft in January 2003 and the 19th since October 2002.

There were various leaflets dropped today to: inform the Iraqi people that military fiber optic sites have been targeted for destruction and repairing them places their life at risk; that Coalition aircraft can strike at will—anytime and anyplace—and that Coalition air power enforces the No-Fly-Zone to protect the Iraqi people; which radio frequencies to turn to for informational radio; and that Coalition forces do not wish to harm the people of Iraq and to ensure their safety, they should avoid areas occupied by military personnel.

Return to Index

-30-