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Iraq Opposition Leadership
INC Operations Center

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INC FORCES ARRIVE IN SOUTHERN IRAQ TO TAKE PART IN CAMPAIGN TO LIBERATE IRAQ

NASIRIYA, Iraq (6 April, 2003):

Soldiers of the Iraqi National Congress arrived in southern Iraq today to join in the military campaign to remove Saddam Hussein’s regime and liberate the Iraqi people.

Designated the 1st Battalion Free Iraqi Forces, the 700 troops immediately began deployment near Nasiriya. They will be integrated into Operation Iraqi Freedom and will serve under General Tommy Franks of the US Army. Troops of the 1st Battalion will assist Coalition forces in defeating the remaining Baathist and pro-Saddam elements in Iraq. They will also take part in delivering humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people and maintaining law, order and stability in areas already liberated. The number of Free Iraqi Forces in southern and central Iraq is expected to be increased quickly.

Speaking from Nasiriya, Dr. Ahmad Chalabi of the INC said, “We are proud to contribute our forces to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The war of national liberation which Iraqis have waged for 30 years is now nearing its end. We call on the Iraqi people to join with us in removing the final remnants of Saddam’s Baathist regime.”

For further information please call the INC Information Centre on +44 20 7300 6499 or 202 530 4814