Somalia food drops delayed

BARDERA, Somalia (AP) - Air- drops of food to rural areas that were scheduled for yesterday have been postponed by the United Nations until ground operations are better organised. A UN agency spokeswoman said they may go ahead today.

However, Canada announced it was beginning an airlift into Somalia today, using three C- 130 Hercules planes that will carry cargo for the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN World Food Program. The Canadian military effort will start with two flights for the Red Cross.

The arrival of the first contingent of 3,500 armed UN guards, whose task will be to protect relief supplies, has been delayed. The guards were due to reach Somalia today but are not now expected until Tuesday.