Britain looks to boost humanitarian aid to Iraq
- 10 years ago
Britain has released footage of an air drop of humanitarian supplies to Iraqis fleeing from Islamic State fighters.
The video, taken from a Tornado jet, shows a Royal Air Force Hercules plane dropping supplies over Iraq’s Mount Sinjar, according to the Ministry of Defence.
It comes amid reports in Britain’s Telegraph newspaper that the UK has deployed Special Air Service forces to gather intelligence in the area alongside US troops.
Germany too has been sending humanitarian aid expected to arrive in Iraq on Friday evening.
Germany’s Defence Minister Ursula Von der Leyen says the government also plans to send non-lethal military aid such as vehicles, helmets, night-vision gear and bomb detectors.
“The medical relief, food and blankets is just the start. We’re preparing to send additional material as and when the need arises,” she told reporters at Hohn airbase.
On Wednesday, the United Nations declared the situation a level three emergency, its highest level of humanitarian crisis.
The video, taken from a Tornado jet, shows a Royal Air Force Hercules plane dropping supplies over Iraq’s Mount Sinjar, according to the Ministry of Defence.
It comes amid reports in Britain’s Telegraph newspaper that the UK has deployed Special Air Service forces to gather intelligence in the area alongside US troops.
Germany too has been sending humanitarian aid expected to arrive in Iraq on Friday evening.
Germany’s Defence Minister Ursula Von der Leyen says the government also plans to send non-lethal military aid such as vehicles, helmets, night-vision gear and bomb detectors.
“The medical relief, food and blankets is just the start. We’re preparing to send additional material as and when the need arises,” she told reporters at Hohn airbase.
On Wednesday, the United Nations declared the situation a level three emergency, its highest level of humanitarian crisis.