US pays out Najaf battle damages

By: Mohamed Ali

WASHINGTON: The American military has paid people of Holy City of Najaf over 367,000 dollars in the wake of the major August battle with Moqtada Sadr’s Mehdi Militia.

The first condolence and collateral damage payments, by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, were made September 20 while more than $200,000 was distributed on Tuesday October 5.

The US Central Command said the solatia payments are meant to “express sympathy to those injured or who lost a family member during the fighting.” They are intended to build goodwill with Iraqis who have a set tradition of accepting “blood money” if a family or tribe member is killed.

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