U.S. Marines, and British troops numbering almost 5000 have launched a major offensive south of Baghdad. The goal is to clear out insurgent hotbeds.
The operation began with raids in the town Jabella that captured 32 suspected insurgents. The Marines are being reinforced with troops from Britain
“Black Watch” regiment who were moved in the area earlier to cover U.S. positions during the assault on Fallujah.
story.news.yahoo.com
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Some 5,000 U.S. Marines, British troops and Iraqi commandos launched a new offensive Tuesday aimed at clearing a swath of insurgent
hotbeds south of Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
The joint operation kicked off with early morning raids in the town of Jabella in Babil province, netting 32 suspected insurgents, the U.S. military
said in a statement. Jabella is 50 miles south of Baghdad.
Insurgent violence has increased in the areas south of the capital in "an apparent attempt to divert attention" away from the U.S-led assault on the
militant stronghold of Fallujah, the military said.
The cluster of dusty, small towns located south of the capital, has been a major area for insurgent activity. U.S. and Iraqi forces have come under
repeated attacks by car bombs, rockets, and small arms fire in the area.
The region has become known as a "triangle of death" for the numerous attacks by Sunni Muslim insurgents and criminal gangs on Shiites, Westerners
and members of the Iraqi security services.
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This is most likely not that last of these type of campaigns. They will no doubt attempt to pacify the Sunni Triangle before the elections to ensure
that they proceed without a hitch. However, the insurgents are unlikely to stay in one place and duke it out with our troops. Its going to be a long
and protracted battle to clear these insurgents out if ever. The Coalition received a boost yesterday when Britain and Iran endorsed the elections. In
addition a multi national meeting gave support to the interim Iraqi governments fight against the insurgents.
Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
WAR: Middle East Nations Back Iraqs Fight Vs. Insurgents
WAR: Iraq Sets Election Date For January 30 Despite Fresh Violence UPDATE: Iran and Britain
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[edit on 27-11-2004 by Banshee]
