Articles 10.29.2004

An AFP (Agence France-Presse) article follows a partol of the 2-17th Field Artillery in Ramadi as it hunts down a sniper. No names or units are given. The sniper was not found on this patrol.
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A Reuters report gives further evidence of a possible offensive in Fallujah and Ramadi:
- The deputy commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (under which the 2nd BCT operates), Brigadier General Denis Hajlik, said "We are gearing up for a major operation. If we do so, it will be decisive..."
- Sources estimate that only 50-60,000 of the 350,000 residents remain in Fallujah. Most families have fled for safety.
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A separate AFP article indicates the Prime Minister Allawi is sending a negotiation team to Fallujah "in a last-ditch bid to avert a full-scale military assault."
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NPR has an audio story about Iraqis fleeing Fallujah, including interviews with citizens who have left and government officials.
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Arabicnews.com and AFP reports clashes on 10.29.2004 and in both Ramadi and Fallujah.