Smoke over Qayyarah West Airfield, Makhmour areas

Public Releases

October 22, 2016
Release # 20161022-05
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Operation Inherent Resolve

BAGHDAD - Combined Joint Task Force - Inherent Resolve is currently assessing the potential risk at Camp Swift and Qayyarah West Airfield as a result of the burning oil wells and the sulfur plant fire.

The Coalition has taken air samples and analysis is on-going to determine what, if any, concerns may result from this incident.

As a precaution, Coalition personnel at sites affected by the smoke have been directed to limit their activity outdoors. Some service members have voluntarily chosen to don protective masks for their own comfort.

The Coalition takes the risk of these hazards and associated substances seriously into consideration as part of on-going force protection measures and are prepared to respond to such a contingency should that need arise.

There has been no change at this time to Mission Oriented Protective Posture. The Government of Iraq is working to put out the fires and project it may take approximately two to three days to accomplish this task.