The British Army's Civil Affairs Group numbers some ten Regular officers and 110 Territorial Army personnel. About half of these are deployed in the Gulf on Operation Telic. Most serve in frontline teams which will have the task of getting aid to the Iraqi civilian population. Stockpiles of humanitarian supplies have been readied for this purpose.

Under Saddam's rule, the Iraqi people have suffered greatly. The task of the Group is to identify rapidly problems, and direct military assets both to provide direct assistance and to enable international agencies and non-governmental organisations to deliver aid effectively. To this end, the Group works closely with the UK's Department for International Development and US Aid, and liaises with the aid agencies through the Humanitarian Operations Centre based in Kuwait.

The Iraqi regime has used the supply of food to help control its population. Some 60% of the population are believed to be reliant on the half-million tonnes of food delivered each month under the oil-for-food programme. Large food supplies have therefore been stockpiled, and thousands of rations are ready to be taken forward by advancing forces for immediate humanitarian assistance. Potential distribution points and delivery routes have been identified. The Iraqi people are predominantly (60-75%) urban-based, and half are aged 14 or under. Water supply is a critical issue - perhaps only 50% of the population have access to potable water, and the expertise of the Royal Engineers may be needed to restore fresh water supplies.

By far the safest place for civilians will be for them to stay at home, but clearly UK forces have to be prepared to deal with displaced persons. Potential assembly points have been identified where they can be gathered and given proper assistance. British troops have been briefed on local customs, culture and sensitivities to demonstrate our commitment to help the Iraqi people and not cause unnecessary offence.

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