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Helo Relief Colonel Peter Michael Gish, USMCR Acquisition Number: 2012.1022.134 Medium: Oil on Canvas Marine Corps CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters supply a Kurdish refugee camp on the Iraqi-Turkish border during Operation Provide Comfort. Following the defeat of Iraqi forces during the Gulf War, Kurdish tribal minorities in northern Iraq revolted against the powers of dictator Saddam Hussein in early 1991, a revolt that was quickly put down. Fearing retribution, 2 million Kurds fled to the rugged mountains. With no food, shelter, or medical support, a humanitarian disaster resulted. The British, followed by other European countries and the U.S., provided both military and humanitarian support. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and other USMC units responded and were on station for nearly three months.