The line "established a stronghold in Qaim " is a key to this whole process of rounding up the Lions of Islam. They have continuously shown a propensity to buddy-up. As soon as we leave an area for a time they just can't resist the urge to hold a group hug there. Our guys had been in Qaim before---remember the wedding with no bride/no cake/no preacher? This portion of our strategy seems clear and successful enough: wait for them to form a klaven then kill ém off a hundred or so at a time. It's working out just fine!
Saddam kept a division in this town. It is a lawless, tribal, and brutal place. Before the invasion and after. This is not the first large action, just has made the news for some reason this time. The baddies have moved to the north of the river because we control the south side. It is one scary ass bridge to drive across and has been the sight of more than one KIA. It is the only bridge for a LONG ways.
The force to keep it in control is not available. But that is part of transformation and it is working well, just not in Iraq.