Iran sends humanitarian aid to Libya

[News_Editor]

Iran sends humanitarian aid to Libya

2011-03-27 01:51:30 GMT+7 (ICT)

TEHRAN (BNO NEWS) -- Iran's Red Crescent Society said it has sent its first shipment of humanitarian aid and a medical team to the Tunisian border to assist displaced Libyans, Press TV reported Saturday.

The Deputy Manager of the organization, Heydar Heydari, said that the country's first shipment, which includes 36 tons of medical supplies and food stuff, left for the Tunisian border on Friday night. A 12-member medical team was also sent.

"Secretary General of the Libyan Red Crescent Abdul Hameed al-Madani told us on Thursday that they needed our assistance. Today these items and our team will fly to Tunisia. The Iranian relief workers will also set up a border camp for the displaced on the Libyan-Tunisian border," he said.

An estimated 120,000 to 140,000 displaced Libyans are said to be caught in the fighting between rebels and forces loyal to embattled Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

Western-led military strikes against Gaddafi began last Saturday after the UN Security Council ratified a no-fly zone over the African nation. Coalition forces on Friday launched their latest round of air strikes, while Libya says many civilians have been killed.

Latest reports indicate that Libyan rebel forces regained control of the eastern city of Ajdabiya on Saturday, forcing government forces to retreat back to the oil town of Brega in east Libya.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama on Saturday said the U.S. mission in Libya is succeeding and already saved 'countless' of lives.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-27

[bangkokeddy]

better than bombs.

[zzaa09]

better than bombs.

Indeed it is. Though I'm sure some might look upon their charitable presence as something else.