Diyala mission shifts to reconstruction

MANSURIYAH, Iraq, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- A large-scale operation in Diyala province in Iraq transitioned from combat operations clearing militant outposts to humanitarian aid.

More than 4,000 U.S. troops worked with Iraqi and coalition forces to distribute rice and flour during a humanitarian aid drop by the U.S. 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, the Multi-National Forces in Iraq said.

Capt. Robert Green, troop commander for 2/3 ACR, said his unit is working to focus efforts on reconstruction.

"We've transitioned from blocking positions and defending against the (improvised explosive device) threat and just keeping an eye on the area. We're still watching the routes and monitoring traffic, but we are trying to get things back to normal here," Green said.

Green said the mission will continue to transition to more humanitarian assistance with more aid drops and medical clinics in the coming weeks.