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10/11/2004
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting.
Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
It has been reported that 11 US soldiers have been killed since the start of the assault – the numbers of Iraqi dead has been estimated to be in the hundreds.
Militants have limited themselves mounting hit-and-run attacks and sniping at troops from rooftops. At one point, the US advance was held up by snipers firing down from the top of a mosque.
As coalition troops pushed further into the centre, taking over large swathes of the city, troops uncovered what Iraqi sources have described as "hostage slaughter houses".
According to PA, Major General Abdul Qader Mohammed Jassem Mohan, commander of Iraqi forces in the area, said: "We have found hostage slaughter houses in Fallujah that were used by these people (kidnappers) and the black clothing that they used to wear to identify themselves, hundreds of CDs and whole records with names of hostages."
By late afternoon today, the militants seem to have been pushed to the edges the main road bisecting Fallujah.
The US commander in the city, Lt Gen Thomas Metz, predicted today that there would be several more days of heavy fighting ahead before the coalition could gain total control over the city.
Around 80% of the 250,000-strong population has fled the area, and it has been estimated that 2,500 militants were inside the city prior to the start of the fighting.
(gmcg/sp)
Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
It has been reported that 11 US soldiers have been killed since the start of the assault – the numbers of Iraqi dead has been estimated to be in the hundreds.
Militants have limited themselves mounting hit-and-run attacks and sniping at troops from rooftops. At one point, the US advance was held up by snipers firing down from the top of a mosque.
As coalition troops pushed further into the centre, taking over large swathes of the city, troops uncovered what Iraqi sources have described as "hostage slaughter houses".
According to PA, Major General Abdul Qader Mohammed Jassem Mohan, commander of Iraqi forces in the area, said: "We have found hostage slaughter houses in Fallujah that were used by these people (kidnappers) and the black clothing that they used to wear to identify themselves, hundreds of CDs and whole records with names of hostages."
By late afternoon today, the militants seem to have been pushed to the edges the main road bisecting Fallujah.
The US commander in the city, Lt Gen Thomas Metz, predicted today that there would be several more days of heavy fighting ahead before the coalition could gain total control over the city.
Around 80% of the 250,000-strong population has fled the area, and it has been estimated that 2,500 militants were inside the city prior to the start of the fighting.
(gmcg/sp)
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08 April 2004
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
08 November 2004
Fallujah attack underway by US-led forces
The insurgent-held Iraqi city of Fallujah has come under heavy assault by US-led coalition forces and Iraqi government forces. The attack was preceeded by an artillery and aerial gunship barrage on selected targets as the long-expected anti-insurgent operation got underway earlier today.
Fallujah attack underway by US-led forces
The insurgent-held Iraqi city of Fallujah has come under heavy assault by US-led coalition forces and Iraqi government forces. The attack was preceeded by an artillery and aerial gunship barrage on selected targets as the long-expected anti-insurgent operation got underway earlier today.
28 April 2004
Coalition forces engage rebels in Fallujah
In one of the fiercest exchanges since the end of the war in Iraq, insurgents in the city of Fallujah have come under sustained bombardment by US forces. In one of their most intensive uses of firepower, American tanks and aircraft have pounded the rebel forces in the city.
Coalition forces engage rebels in Fallujah
In one of the fiercest exchanges since the end of the war in Iraq, insurgents in the city of Fallujah have come under sustained bombardment by US forces. In one of their most intensive uses of firepower, American tanks and aircraft have pounded the rebel forces in the city.
09 April 2004
US-backed Fallujah ceasefire breaks down
An attempt by US forces to install a ceasefire in Fallujah – a city ravaged by six days of heavy fighting – appears to have failed. According to reports emerging from the area today the ceasefire, which was due to begin at 12pm local time, broke down within around 90 minutes.
US-backed Fallujah ceasefire breaks down
An attempt by US forces to install a ceasefire in Fallujah – a city ravaged by six days of heavy fighting – appears to have failed. According to reports emerging from the area today the ceasefire, which was due to begin at 12pm local time, broke down within around 90 minutes.
04 November 2004
Black Watch patrols to block off terrorist 'rat runs'
The Black Watch regiment, which was moved closer to Baghdad to back up under-pressure US troops in the area, is preparing to carry out dangerous swoops on so-called terrorist 'rat runs'.
Black Watch patrols to block off terrorist 'rat runs'
The Black Watch regiment, which was moved closer to Baghdad to back up under-pressure US troops in the area, is preparing to carry out dangerous swoops on so-called terrorist 'rat runs'.
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