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Anti-Iraqi forces attack two MNF convoys injuring 34 civilians

Aug-29-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

Here is the official press release from Task Force Olympia.

(TFO Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (August 29, 2004) – In two separate complex attacks today, an unknown number of anti-Iraqi forces attacked two Multinational Forces patrols with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire, injuring 37 Iraqi civilians and resulting in the death of two of the terrorists.

The first attack occurred at approximately 3 a.m. in the city of Tal Afar, about 50 kilometers west of Mosul. Anti-Iraqi forces fired eight rocket propelled grenades at a passing U.S. patrol. At least one of the RPG rounds was fired from the vicinity of a police station while others were fired from the nearby Al Huda Mosque, a violation of the International Law of War which prohibits the use of religious and other protected places from being used as enemy sanctuary.

The second attack occurred at approximately 6 a.m., also in Tal Afar, when terrorists attacked another U.S. patrol with an RPG, again originating from the Al Huda Mosque.

In both attacks, U.S. soldiers returned fire, responding proportionately and precisely, killing two insurgents in the second attack. U.S. soldiers are trained in and guided by Rules of Engagement that require positive identification of a target before returning fire and also require that Soldiers use appropriate and proportionate response when engaging enemy fighters.

According to a Tal Afar hospital doctor, Dr. Fawzi Mohamad, 34 civilians were injured by flying debris and broken glass during the attacks on Multinational Forces. Many civilians were sleeping on their rooftops to escape the summer heat. Of the 34 civilians, 26 were women and children.

No U.S. soldiers were injured in either attack and no vehicles were damaged.

Local citizens with information about this attack are urged to providing information that leads to the capture and arrest of anti-Iraqi forces responsible for the attack on civilians and Multinational Forces. Anyone with information is urged to call the Joint Coordination Center in Mosul at 125 or 513462.


Comments For "Anti-Iraqi forces attack two MNF convoys injuring 34 civilians":

Has Sadr found another mosque already?

Posted by: Pat in NC | August 29, 2004 1:04 PM

It seems that I pray for my son with every thought of him (all day, mostly all night!), and for all of our soldiers every day. But it takes horrific news like this to remind me to pray for the precious Iraqis, and our mission there.

Posted by: PattyF | August 30, 2004 4:55 AM

The bad guys seem to like to use the mosque as a launching pad for their RPG's. As my son, who is in Mosul said, "They use every means to attach our troops and aren't above using a religious building to do their dirty work. As he also says, "THEY ARE COWARDS"

Posted by: Tom | August 30, 2004 10:48 AM

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