Troops Storm Area Near Massacre Site
U.S. forces roll into a city north of Baghdad to chase out insurgents after gunmen, some in military garb, killed 29 Shiites.
By Robert H. Reid The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 07/18/2007 02:32:07 AM MDT
Baghdad, Iraq - U.S. troops stormed Tuesday into an insurgent-controlled area of a turbulent province where police reported that gunmen - some wearing military clothing - had massacred 29 Shiite villagers the night before.
The fighting escalated north of Baghdad as America’s top general said parts of Iraq are undergoing a “sea change” in security, notably Ramadi where Sunni tribes have turned against al-Qaeda in Iraq. Attacks against U.S. forces in that city have dropped dramatically.
But some areas’ success is tempered by violence elsewhere.
American soldiers backed by tanks, helicopters and at least one F-16 fighter jet rolled into the eastern part of Baqubah, the capital of Diyala province.
Gunfire could be heard in the main market district, and Sunni imams in four mosques used loudspeakers to call on their followers to fight the Americans, residents said by phone.
U.S. and Iraqi forces seized the western part of Baqubah last month and had been expected to mount a major offensive to drive al-Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgents from the rest of the city, 35 miles north of Baghdad. The Islamic State of Iraq, a front group for al-Qaeda in Iraq, has declared Baqubah as its capital.
Sunni extremists were believed to be moving out of Baqubah in anticipation of a U.S. attack, seeking shelter with friendly tribes to the north and east.
Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hailed the progress achieved in Ramadi, where violence was once commonplace.
“It’s no longer a matter of pushing al-Qaeda out of Ramadi, for example, but rather - now that they have been pushed out - helping the local police and the local army have a chance to get their feet on the ground and set up their systems,” Pace said.
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Any building used for military purposes is no longer a religious shrine, it is now a military target. As pissed off as the locals may become for the destruction of a mosque, Iraqi troops/police should have stormed the mosques and captured the clerics. I’m sure they would discover a treasure trove of intel, weapons, and other supplies that support AQ.
If the ING and Police start to stand on their own with some American support to keep them shored up, we should see the small seed of confidence sprout and grow in the Local forces. From what I have learned, interacting with the Locals, they have become browbeaten by 30+ years of a dictatorship. Saddam’s style of leadership has taken the ability for the local population to think on their own. I think they have finally realized that the Coalition is here to give them the tools necessary to stand on their own.
The surge and change of strategy appears to be working. I just hope Congress doesn’t cut a leg off this already fragile chair the Iraqis are standing on.
July 18th, 2007 at 3:09 amThe peaceshits will argue the men were clearly praying and we were criminally intruding … Now, which one is facing Mecca in the picture? …..
July 18th, 2007 at 4:40 amIt has been clear for some time now, that the insugent leadership trail runs through the local Mosques. If the Iman calls his minions to fight, then he makes the target list. That’s how it should be. Shoot him.
July 18th, 2007 at 4:40 amEchoing Buerg. That’s impressive they were able to respond to something that happened the night before. I hope they can keep up that pace. Those fucking little imams.
July 18th, 2007 at 4:48 amYeah! Man there is SO much good news to wake up to! I wish I had more time to comment but my boss is picking me up for work today. CHEERS TO OUR TROOPS!
July 18th, 2007 at 5:03 amHave one for me cause I don’t drink anymore!
You’ve been a BAD terrorist. BAD!
July 18th, 2007 at 6:50 amNow go stand in the corner.