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U.S. Reclaims Major Roads

Apr-13-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

Here is an in depth article on recent activity in Iraq from the LA Times, including a bit of news about the SBCT. Use "laexaminer" for both the username and password to read the article. That username isn't working. Looks like you'll need to register to view the article.

[Link to Full Article]
By Jeffrey Fleishman and Edmund Sanders, Times Staff Writers

NAJAF, Iraq — U.S. forces used heavy firepower Monday to regain control of strategic roads around Iraq as about 2,500 American soldiers massed outside this southern city in an attempt to force the surrender of a Shiite cleric and his militias.

The troop buildup came as Gen. John Abizaid, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, requested as many as 10,000 new troops to prevent another round of insurgencies challenging American authority in Iraq.

Despite sporadic fighting in the south and west of the country, U.S. officials said they were giving negotiations a chance before moving against Sunni militiamen in Fallouja, where a tense cease-fire held for a second day, and Shiite fighters here who are loyal to cleric Muqtada Sadr. But top U.S. commanders made it clear that time was running out for a settlement with the cleric.

"The mission of U.S. forces is to kill or capture Muqtada Sadr," said Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, commander of ground forces in Iraq. [...]

Near Najaf, hundreds of U.S. troops began moving into the region, including a Stryker Brigade from Mosul and battalions from Kirkuk and Baqubah.

Convoys carrying troops, tanks, construction equipment and supplies snaked south, setting up a huge encampment in an abandoned Iraqi army munitions dump in the desert about 12 miles outside of Najaf.

To escape attack or detection, the convoys often used back roads. Other convoys traveled the same route to Najaf that hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims used recently to reach the city for the Arbain holiday. After their arrival, U.S. troops began setting up for the long term, preparing to build housing facilities, infrastructure and a detention facility.

The move, coming as Sadr appeared to be entering serious discussions with at least two groups of Shiite negotiators, raised the stakes in the standoff.

(Thanks to Jenn for the link)

UPDATE: Try this link. Another paper is carrying the same story and you might not have to register to view the article.


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