U.S. jets and artillery struck targets around Fallujah after talks between Iraqi officials and city leaders failed to come to agreement. Iraqi
officials are demanding the hand over of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi. U.S. officials say this is not the beginning of a full scale offensive, but that one
may be launched sometime this fall.
story.news.yahoo.com
BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. jets struck targets in the insurgent bastion Fallujah on Friday, and U.S. officials said 10 people — including a family of four
— were killed when a car bomb exploded near a Baghdad police station in a bloody start to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
U.S. jets and artillery pounded targets in the southern and eastern part of Fallujah — the major stronghold of Sunni insurgents — around sundown
Friday as residents were taking the traditional meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan.
One resident, Salah Abd, said American troops had sealed off major roads out of the city, 40 miles west of Baghdad, preventing residents from
leaving.
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The U.S. appears to be stepping up efforts to secure Iraq prior to the US elections next month, and Iraq"s own elections in January. Recent aerial
bombing of Fallujah and other militant strongholds has been in an effort to kill or capture those who are responsible for making Iraq unsafe.
While officials are saying that a "full scale offensive" may be launched sometime this fall to secure Fallujah, you"ve got to wonder if this is
timed for any political motives? If they can"t find Osama, maybe they can find Zarqawi.
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[edit on 21-10-2004 by Banshee]