US Marines here have officially established a civil-military operations center (CMOC) aimed at "drafting a roadmap of success for Iraqi citizens," according to a statement released late Tuesday.

The statement by the US Central Command said the CMOC would direct operations in four major areas: electricity, law enforcement, water and sanitation, and medical care.

"US Marines are working diligently to minimize the unrest within the city of Baghdad by helping to restore water and electricity and providing humanitarian aid, medical treatment and other basic needs," the statement said.

But a "message to the citizens of Baghdad" distributed in English and handwritten Arabic also imposed a de facto curfew, advising, but not ordering, Iraqis to stay off the streets between evening and morning prayers.

"To avoid placing Coalition Forces in a position where we must make a distinction between you and terrorist or criminal elements during a time of limited visibility, please do not leave your homes during this time."

The Centcom statement said the Marines met with key power industry leaders along with 50 plant managers and engineers to plan the restoration of the city's infrastructure.

Baghdad has been without power since April 4 but Marine officials said they hoped to restore electricity to parts of the capital by Friday after bringing essential staff back to work.

Marines also delivered 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel for generators servicing water treatment plants in east Baghdad to increase the flow of water, Centcom said.

The statement said Marines were currently conducting joint patrols with Iraqi uniformed police around the city. Local police officers have also begun unarmed patrols in Baghdad and other municipalities.

Centcom made it clear they were screening would-be Iraqi law enforcement officers carefully for ties to Saddam's administration.

"In response to questions of concerned citizens, residents have been advised that officers are being trained and evaluated to ensure that they are capable choices for policing and that they have no ties as regime loyalists."

US troops were also working to get Baghdad's 33 hospitals back in operation after most were closed because of combat damage, looters or fears of vandalism, the statement said.

It said six key Iraqi medical officials had formed a committee to coordinate medical efforts in east Baghdad. US officials said Tuesday that 14 hospitals were functioning, including Baghdad's main complex, Medical City.

SPACE.WIRE