U.S. Has Shelled Out $860 Million For Kurds

The United States has spent more than $860 million in four years to protect Kurds in Iraq from the forces of President Saddam Hussein, State Department Spokesman Nicholas Burns estimated Wednesday.

Burns issued a statement thanking the Turkish government for approving another six months’ extension of Operation Provide Comfort, which began in April 1991. British and French forces join in the operation out of Turkey to give the Kurds in northern Iraq safety and virtual autonomy.

The allied operation keeps Iraqi planes from flying north of the 36th parallel and provides relief to the Kurdish population.