Articles 10.28.2004

The AFP reports on clashes in Ramadi on 10.28.2004.
Key observations:
- Marines sealed off a section of the city and captured 15 people during pre-dawn raids. A Marine spokesman said the area was known to be a hub for bomb making activities.
- U.S. forces said clashes occured in the center and the west of the city following the raids. Three Marines were wounded.
- Separately, a car bomb exploded near a U.S. convoy in the city. There were no injuries or damage to vehicles.
- The Marine spokesman said they had killed an estimated 700-800 insurgents in the unrest since their arrival [in September], noting that they faced a "limitless" opposition.
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More reports on the tense situation in Ramadi and Fallujah:

1) The NY Times (free registration required) - and a summary Reuters article - reports that Ramadi is "slipping into chaos." Among the main points:
- guerilla attacks have picked up over the past 6 weeks.
- reconstruction efforts have ground to a halt because local contractors are unwilling to work.
- Since their arrival in Sept, the 2/5 Marines have had increased difficulty moving around the city.
- It is expected that guerilla fighters have been streaming into Ramadi following airstikes in Fallujah.
- the 2/5 Marines Battalion Commander, Col. Randall Newman, said the only effective Iraqi troops in Ramadi are 80 or so Iraqi Special Forces soldiers from elsewhere in the country

(note that the NY Times article carries a picture of soldiers from an "Army artillery brigade", which may be the 2-17th FA)
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The Washington Post reports on the situation in Fallujah:
- insurgents and foreign fighters appear to be preparing for battle.
- A U.S. military convoy of 40 armored vehicles was seen moving towards the city.
- Local leaders are telling residents to flee the city.
- There are still attempts at further negotiations.
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The Independent (UK) also discusses the situation in Fallujah:
- the articles estimates that the U.S. presently has about 2500 troops around Fallujah.
- military activity has increased, including a build-up of troops, heavy artillery, tanks and war planes, as well as military engineers for follow-up efforts.
- more than 70% of Fallujah residents have left the city.
- more than 100 suspected insurgents have been arrested trying to leave the city.