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| Iraq |
| Baghdad: details of a battle on Haifa Street today |
| 2007-01-24 |
| In fighting Wednesday, U.S. and Iraqi troops battled gunmen firing heavy weapons from concrete high-rises in another Sunni insurgent stronghold, on the west bank of the Tigris north of the heavily fortified Green Zone. Iraq's defense minister said as many as 30 militants were killed and 27 captured. Apache attack helicopters buzzed past the tall buildings and radio towers along Haifa Street, while several Humvees drove on the tree-lined street below. Gunfire rang in the background as shells fell, according to AP Television News footage. The U.S. military said the targeted raids were intended to clear the area of militants, dubbing the operation dubbed Tomahawk Strike 11. The clashes were the second major fighting to break out in the area in less than a month. Good hunting, guys! The military reported separately that an American soldier was killed Wednesday in fighting near the city's center, but officials declined to say whether it was connected to the Haifa Street fighting. The military also said that two Marines were killed Tuesday in western Anbar province. Rest in peace with our thanks. As you kept faith with us, may we keep faith with you until this war is won. |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #3 USN: They are most likely filling the posts with Iraqi soldiers, armed with rifles, rations and a radio. It will be bugger all hard for the bad guyz to return to those positions. Plus the locals will be very pleased to note that we did not do the alternative--reducing the high rises to rubble. Actually, the more I think about that tactic, the more that I like it--having permanent outposts on all the high ground, doubling as building security. That's damned smart. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2007-01-24 23:02 |
| #2 Screw the security outposts; that eats men and materiel, plus requires the ability to provide support in the event of an attack on that position. Better idea: bring in some IDF D-9's; its not like they are using them. |
| Posted by: USN, ret. 2007-01-24 22:51 |
| #1 As I read the reprots, we're moving building by building, in the heart of the city. Snipers in the highrises and boobytraps. As we clear a few buildings, we put in a permanent security post. Kinda like trying to clear Manhatten. Slow and steady wins the race. |
| Posted by: Chuck Simmins 2007-01-24 21:38 |