Operation Vigilant Resolve
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James Joyner | Monday, April 5, 2004 |
It looks like the counter-attack is coming.
WaPo: U.S. Forces Block Access to Fallujah
U.S. forces sealed off the Iraqi city of Fallujah Monday in advance of what a spokesman called an “extended operation” aimed at insurgents who killed and mutilated four U.S. contractors last week.In the slums of Sadr City in Baghdad, meanwhile, black smoke from burning tires darkened the sky as Shiite followers of cleric Moqtada Sadr erected makeshift barricades outside his headquarters under the eye of U.S. forces in tanks in the streets and helicopters above.
The area was the scene Sunday of some of the deadliest fighting since Baghdad fell to U.S. led troops last year. New details from the military Monday revealed how serious the fighting was–ultimately involving 14 tanks, armored vehicles and helicopters battling what one top officer called “a mob” armed with assault rifles, rocket propelled grenades and other weapons, spraying automatic weapons fire from rooftops onto U.S. soldiers.
On Monday, L. Paul Bremer, the head of the U.S. led authority in Iraq, declared Sadr an “outlaw,” vowing that further attempts by Sadr’s militia to take over government offices “will not be tolerated.”
Indeed, CNN reports we’ve issued an arrest warrant.
Lots of posts–constantly being updated–over at Command Post.
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.
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what were civilians doing in Falluja in the first place? The army wouldn't even go in before this incident?
I have one word for Falluja! MOAB one time all it takes.
Dear Fellow Americans
For most of us, it is very difficult to understand, why a minority of the Iraqi people has such a strong desire to remain an underdeveloped country based on ancient beliefs. The coalition forces try to bring about a platform to build the country into a modern society as a role model for the surrounding countries. Religion and prosperity can go hand in hand, and one should not outrule the other. One should never forget your cultural or religious background, but it is plain stupid to let such stubborn beliefs stand in the way for a better life.
If the country is so great to be in, also under Saddam, why have so many people fled over the years?
With this said, I urge the coalition forces to press on, and surpress these maniacs in the interest of the majority of the now freed Iraqi people.
Best wishes from Denmark.
Mr. President;
If we're at war, let's do war. full out ... all the way. Troops deserve nothing less.
If we're not going to make war, if we continue to give Baathists a free shot ... forgetaboutit ... go ahead and make love ... take the targets off our forces backs and bring them out.
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