For Immediate Release
April 22, 2004

Iraq's Coastal Defense Force
Iraq Fact of the Day

Iraqis are continuing to expand security forces to help protect their country and its citizens. The Coastal Defense Force was created to police the country's 35 miles of coastline. The force's 407 officers will be based at Umm Qasar Naval Base. Some of these officers recently completed training at the Britannia Royal Naval College in England. Maritime security will protect Iraq against terrorism, smuggling, and piracy. The Coastal Defense Force will also have search and rescue capabilities.

Source: Coalition Provisional Authority, Baghdad