U.S. Forces in "Extremely Heavy Contact" East of the Euphrates

The Agonist (blog) ^ | 03/31/2003 | Unattributed

[TonyInOhio]

7:58 EST US military officials reported "extremely heavy contact" on March 31 with Iraqi forces at Imam Aiyub, south of Hilla on the eastern or Baghdad side of the Euphrates River. However, most of the U.S. forces in the area between An Najaf and Kerbala appear to be still on the far western bank, including those fighting at Hindiya. U.S. units engaging Iraqi forces near Imam Aiyub include the 2nd Battalion 70th Armored Regiment and elements of the 101st Airborne Division.

[TonyInOhio]

That can't be Tony. DEBKA said that we had ABANDONED that line of march. (sarcasm)

ROTFL.

It occurs to me that none of us have a clue where our forces are actually engaged. Except the Iraqis.

[AgThorn]

And to think, the Nimitz arrives today. Sucks to be a Republican Guard trooper today.

Yeah but, with the Nimitz arriving, that means the Abe Lincoln is checking out ... and after nearly 9 months, these sailors are ready to get home. But your point is quite valid for our Navy is getting "refreshed".

William
proud poppa of a Navy man (on the Abe) and his twin brother (Army 4th Infantry)

Picture above sent from my son on the Abe, stating that this is what will happen as soon as they get their "going home" orders ... (they have been there the longest and have served us well!)

[expatpat]

Is Hindiya mostly on the East bank of the river?

[Beck_isright]

Sadly, I don't think so. I think Abe is staying on station til the end of the war. I'm just wondering when the other ones will get into the party. I thought there was one more battle group enroute?

V

[AgThorn]

I have heard it reported on the news as well as from my son that the Nimitz will be replacing the Lincoln.

With the escalating war, I can understand your sentiment and I share it, but whats your source?

[El Gato]

The pilots say they run out of ordinance before they can hit all the targets.

Of course there's plenty back on the carrier or back at base. Along with lots of ordies to load it onto the aircraft for another go. Each airplane can only carry so much. Maybe we need more airplanes, inspite of having a signifigent fraction of our Air Force and Naval Air assets in theater already? I suspect if we had any more airplanes, they'd be running into each other coming and going to the target areas.

[El Gato]

I get the impression that we are enjoying a ground-attack version of the Mariana's Turkey Shoot

Nominations are open for a name. "The Great Tigress and Euprahates Turkey Shoot"? "The Mother of All Turkey Shoots"? "The Target Rich Turkey Shoot"? I'm sure y'all can do better.

[El Gato]

Yeah but, with the Nimitz arriving, that means the Abe Lincoln is checking out ... and after nearly 9 months, these sailors are ready to get home. But your point is quite valid for our Navy is getting "refreshed".

You don't think "Abe" might stay around until the festivities are complete? Be a shame to miss the celebration. They often extend a carrier on station for a little while after it's replacement arrives.

[NJJ]

Is Peter Arnett standing with them ?

Perhaps we should thank Peter for his encoded messages, blink,BLINK,BLINK.

[dfwgator]

What bridge is that? Is it over the Euphrates?

Over the Euphrates?

No, I don't think I'll ever get over the Euphrates. (Little 'Airplane II' humor there.)

[geopyg]

They don't call it the "Fertile Crescent" for nuthin'.

(The soil is good, provides a target-rich environment)

[Tom Bombadil]

How are we sure that these targets aren't made out of rubber?

[AgThorn]

You don't think "Abe" might stay around until the festivities are complete? Be a shame to miss the celebration. They often extend a carrier on station for a little while after it's replacement arrives.

I would think they would want to .. but I imagine after awhile these guys/gals just need to be relieved. Here's another recent report on same:

"Once the Nimitz gets into the Gulf, it is expected to relieve the Lincoln, which is overdue to return to its home station at Everett, Wash. "

[A Simple Soldier]

Article in this weeks ARMY TIMES about B/2-502. You might be able to access it online at www.armytimes.com


Strike!!!

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I still wonder why they call it "Saddam's Fedayeen". Is there a cover band out there called "Rod Torfulson's Fedayeen Armada featuring Herman Menderchuck"?

Are the Democrats going to go into direct competition with them by forming a "DNC's Fedayeen"? Can Saddam sue for copyright infringement?

[Jorge]

U.S. Forces in "Extremely Heavy Contact" East of the Euphrates

Oh no! The brave Iraqi army is actually fighting back. This wasn't supposed to happen. More of the USA's failed military plans!
The DOD must be frantically trying come up with an alternate strategy.

[thoughtomator]

"Extremely heavy contact" = we need heavy bulldozers to push all the shelled-out Iraqi tanks off the road.

[capitan_refugio]

dAMNED CAPS LOCK. i HATE THAT!