11/08/2014

RAF Aid Drop In Iraq Abandoned Over Safety Fears

A planned aid dropped in Iraq was aborted at the last minute over safety concerns, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

It is understood that a drop on Saturday was successful but a second drop, planned for a mountain in the north of Iraq, was abandoned at the last minute over fears that the cargo would injure those on the ground.

The MoD said that a large group of people had gathered at the proposed drop site, with the pilot taking the "responsible decision" to abort the drop "to ensure that the lives of those in the area would not be put at risk."

The UK Government's emergency Cobra committee has held a meeting to discuss the growing crisis in Iraq.

(MH/JP)

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