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US military 'seals off Falluja'
The US military has sealed off the rebel-held Iraqi city of Falluja amid speculation an assault is imminent. All roads in and out of the mainly Sunni Muslim city have been closed by US troops, Reuters reports. US and Iraqi officials say they need to flush out insurgents ahead of elections due in January. Many of Falluja's 300,000 residents are believed to have already fled the city, which has been repeatedly pounded with air strikes. "We are making last preparations. It will be soon. We are just awaiting orders from Prime Minister (Iyad) Allawi," Marine Colonel Michael Shupp told Reuters near the town.
When is Allawi scheduled to return from his trip? Think they'll wait till he's back or go ahead without him?
The combat hospital on the main US base near Falluja has set up a morgue and doubled medical staff and supplies in preparation for an expected stream of casualties, AP reports. US military said their aircraft had carried out five strikes within seven hours, destroying a command post, arms caches and rebel positions, Reuters reports.
Posted by: Steve 2004-11-05
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=47922