He said Iraqi mortar fire targeting the town had to be repressed by counterfire from U.K. Brooks said military activity in Basra late March 25 was confusing.įighting was reported in the city between uniformed and non-uniformed Iraqis. UNICEF has expressed "a renewed concern" for children caught up in the Iraqi war, particularly in the southern city of Basra. "The last few days have raised real concern for the welfare of civilians caught in the conflict, especially children," said Carol Bellamy, executive director of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. On March 25, forces from the United Kingdom secured Umm Qasr, paving the way for humanitarian deliveries. "It's a very demanding process very, very tense on the mind," Elliott said. The environment - in addition to dealing with potential explosive devices in the water - is challenging, he said. He said mine clearing work is hazardous, but the divers are focused on their mission. Mark Elliott told CNN International that the command ship HMAS Kanimbla is leading the coalition effort to keep the Khor Abdullah mine-free. On March 24, a small Iraqi boat with mines was stopped and "subsequently destroyed," Brooks said. The maritime force has intercepted several "civilian vessels" carrying explosive mines. An Australian-led maritime coalition force has thwarted attempts by the Iraqi regime to lay mines in the Khor Abdullah waterway that leads in to the port. Vincent Brooks, deputy director of operations for U.S. "The port is being prepared for reopening and port workers have been invited to come back and begin work," said Brig. OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (AFPN) - An influx of humanitarian aid is en route to the Iraqi port town of Umm Qasr, a military official said March 26.
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