Articles 10.30.2004

An AFP report indicates that U.S. forces in Ramadi has been increased. A U.S. Military spokesman said the 1-503rd Infantry is joining the 2/5 Marines in Ramadi. Both battalions are under 2nd BCT command.
================================
An AP article discusses the situation in Fallujah on 10.30.2004. New observations:
- along with more airstrikes in Fallujah, US forces "carried out probing attacks on the city's outskirts" in order to test insurgent defenses.
- U.S. officials said "Up to 5,000 Islamic militants, Saddam Hussein loyalists and common criminals are hunkered down in Fallujah"
- "Insurgents have stepped up attacks across Iraq by 25 percent since the start of the holy month of Ramadan two weeks ago, mainly targeting Iraqi security forces."
- Officials again stressed that the decision of if and when to enter Fallujah is up to Prime Minister Allawi.
================================
A Reuters article reports that heavy artillery has been used on targets in Fallujah as well as airstrikes.
================================
The Department of Defense announced that 6,500 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division and 1st Cavalry Division (neither are linked to the 2nd BCT) will have their deployments in Iraq extended two months to aid with the January elections. One key quote: "The affected troops, who had originally been slated for 10-month deployments, will now serve 12 months on the ground, the deployment timeframe most Army units serve in Iraq."