ANKARA - A ten-people search and rescue team of the Civilian Defense General Directorate, left for Baghdad on Wednesday to carry out search and rescue activities in the U.N. center in Iraq which was bombed yesterday.
A team, comprised of a doctor and nine search and rescue technicians, was formed by Interior Ministry Civilian Defense General Directorate. The team has two sniffer dogs and search and rescue support vehicles.
Civilian Defense Director General Atilla Ozdemir speaking before the departure of the team pointed out that U.S. Embassy conveyed on Tuesday to Foreign Ministry its request for sending of an experienced search and rescue team to the region.
Ozdemir said the team got ready in a short time, stating that one search and rescue vehicle and one support vehicle were also sent to the region.
Ozdemir said it was not definite how long the team would stay in Baghdad.
Replying a question, Ozdemir said they did not receive definite information regarding number of people trapped under the debris. He said necessary information would be obtained when the team reaches the region.
When asked whether or not security of life of the team was ensured, Ozdemir said the team would work in a safe way in the region.
(AY-AÖ) 20.08.2003