U.S. jets bomb Basra paramilitary meeting (200 Paramilitary Dead?)

Reuters | 3/29/03

[kattracks]

U.S. jets bomb Basra paramilitary meeting

AS SAYLIYA CAMP, Qatar, March 29 (Reuters) - U.S. warplanes have used laser-guided bombs to destroy a building in the southern Iraqi city of Basra where some 200 paramilitary members were meeting, U.S. Central Command said on Saturday.

A spokesman at Central Command's battle headquarters said early reports indicated that "no one came out" of the shattered two-story structure.

The spokesman said the bombing was part of the campaign to take Basra, Iraq's second largest city, from forces loyal to President Saddam Hussein.

Iraqi forces have prevented U.S.-led forces from seizing control of Basra, although British officials say there have been signs of civilian unrest inside the city. British troops say they control the city surroundings, but have not yet moved in.

Central Command said in a statement that two F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets dropped bombs on the paramilitary meeting, terming it "an emerging target."

The bombs used in the night-time attack had a delayed fuse so they penetrate the building before exploding, minimizing damage to the surrounding area, including a church, the statement said.

03/28/03 22:11 ET

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Even though the Feitidhyenas are now dead and foreigners, they can still vote Democrat.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I call these paramilitary Clymer darlings of the media Fetidhyenas. Can anyone think of a better name?

[Air Force Born]

There are always goats

[cake_crumb]

Cool. Interesting, when taken with the Brits' report that civilians attempting to flee Basra were being shot at by Iraqi militia and forced to flee back into the city for cover; British forces were providing cover fire for civilians, some of whom have successfully escaped...only to get food and return to Basra; in the meantime, British Marines were trying to wedge themselves between Iraqi militia positions and the city in order to better protect fleeing Basrans from Saddam's forces.

[cake_crumb]

"I find it hard to believe that two hundred perps would be so stupid as to all gather in one building, particularly in Basra. We shall find out one way or the other I guess in time"

They were stupid enough to leave the cover of the city and send a column out to engage British special forces, where they were soundly whacked.

[cake_crumb]

"Fox reporting Reuters office nearby damaged."

BONUS POINTS!

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Was there a link to where a person could buy the tapes? Thanks.

[Torie]

Alas, there were only 3 vehicles leaving Basra it turns out.

[MississippiMan]

Alas, there were only 3 vehicles leaving Basra it turns out.

Good grief. Thanks for finding out and updating. I love how they never cover their errors. They simply release stuff like this and when it never materializes, they don't mention it again. Remember several weeks ago when ABC announced that we had bin Ladin boxed in? You might call that a huge story. Then it just faaaaadddeedd away.

MM

[wny]

Allah better send out for more virgins.