Insurgent offensive on Iraqi city (Ramadi)

BBC ^ | December 1 2005

[chemical_boy]

Insurgents have attacked US bases and government offices in Ramadi, in western Iraq, and then dispersed throughout the city, residents say.

Scores of heavily-armed insurgents fired mortars and rockets at the buildings and then occupied several main streets.

The attack came as local leaders and US military officials were meeting at the al-Anbar provincial governor's office.

Ramadi has been a rebel stronghold for many months.

Residents in Ramadi told the Reuters news agency that hundreds of heavily armed men in masks were patrolling the main streets of the city and had set up checkpoints.

Citizens said leaflets distributed by the men declared that al-Qaeda in Iraq, the group run by Abu Musab Zarqawi, was now in control of the city.

[COBOL2Java]

In a related story, Congressman Jack Murtha announced today that "President Bush's policies in Vietnam have failed. The Tet offensive only emboldened Al Quaida, and if we don't pull out now, the Vietnamese government will never have the incentive to protect themselves from Tojo's armies." Murtha wanted to say more, but he was gently led away from the microphones by House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, who gave him a pill...

[StarCMC]

Anything you want to add?? The Reuters article on the same topic was full of Shiite. Assuming this is too.

[verity]

BBC= Big Bullshiite Coverage

[StarCMC]

Thank you for being a voice of reason. I really appreciate your posts!

[StarCMC]

For reference, see this post by someone who knows better.

[StarCMC]

Try that AGAIN! ARGH!!

For reference, see this post....

[Steel Wolf]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but Ramadi is no sanctuary. We sanctioned the government and police. We maintain a presence and patrol the worst neighborhoods in force regularly. But it’s still a very dangerous, unfriendly and lawless city with a large underground insurgency that can get away with this.

That is a better way of putting it. The city is not under their control, or a safe haven, by any means. Ramadi (more correctly, the areas beyond the outskirts of Ramadi) is a sanctuary for AQIZ only so long as they stay hidden. There are a number of tribal factions that are willing to turn a blind eye or covertly support AQIZ out of percieved self interest. That's not exactly 'sanctuary', but it's better then they have it anywhere else.

The fact that this show of force appeared specifically to attack a meeting between certain tribal shayks and the Marine liasons is telling. If the tribes decide to play ball with the new government and us instead of AQIZ, then AQIZ is going to lose their last best hiding places near an urban area. If that happens, they're going to have to fall back to Al Qaim or worse. That may be the real motivation behind the attack, more so than trying to exert any real control over the streets of Ramaid.

[Coop]

I don't get it.

[StarCMC]

Well dang - I think I need to go back to bed...ROFL!! Hope you at least got a laugh! Sheesh!! I will try this once more, and if I screw it up again, I'll go back to bed! LOL!!!

I think I have it right this time! YIKES!!!

Today is NOT starting off well....

[goldstategop]

Al Qaeda in control in its dreams. They couldn't slaughter the Marines.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie.Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[Coop]

So you're saying Old Sarge is a redneck? :-)

[StarCMC]

ROFL!!!! Too much Pennsylvania in him to be a redneck.,,even if he DOES live in KY.,,

[Americanexpat]

I read another story about this and it stated that four rounds were fired at the base. When I stayed at the air port in Baghdad camp strayer used to receive ten or more mortar or rocket rounds during a 24 hour period. A couple of occasions they received a lot more. Sounds like a slow day in Baghdad for reporters.

[freema]

nonono, she took the microphone and gave an even better rant.

[Eagle of Liberty]

Tomorrow's Headline provided by American Forces Media:

US, Iraqi Forces Back in Control of Ramadi; Insurgents suffer huge losses

[domenad]

Paahahahahha! Control of the city! These guys are lucky if they can control their own genitals, let alone control a city. Where exactly do these fools get their reputation as the "fierce mujahideen" anyway? Five minutes after marines show up, any of these Koran-bangers hanging around get blown into cracker toppings. Ironically, their most effective weapons (IEDs and roadside bombs) are weapons that work best when THEY ARE NOT AROUND.

[AFPhys]

I like this operation by the terrorists and their sympathizers.

It is great to have these rats pop up their heads so our troops can play "whack a mole" with them.

[slowhand520]

"Seize some streets" is the same thing as grasping at straws. The media loves to document these pseudo accomplishments by these sub humans. Yet they never want to write a positive story about our troops. The Media is throwing everything they can because they know momentum is not on their side anymore

[AFPhys]

Brilliant!

What a great military strategist you would make!

[AFPhys]

With the elections coming up, AQIZ desperately needs publicity and credibility. It may be the start of a mini-Tet offensive, one where they know they're wasting the rest of their strength, but are betting on the media to magnify and inflate their actions.

The first thing I thought when I read the article is 'They can't be this stupid'. The only reason for even trying is because they're in a very bad way, and are willing to waste what little strength they have left on a symbolic attack. If they lose what safety Ramadi once held, then they're finished. They may as well head to the Syrian border, and not stop when they get there.
--->

Good analysis!