Articles 11.5.2004

Reuters reports indicates that Coalition forces have "sealed off all roads in and out" of Fallujah and are urging civilians to leave the city. Marines said they are still awaiting the command from Prime Minister Allawi and President Bush for a large offensive. MSNBC News Service reports that there are 10,000 U.S. troops around Fallujah.

Some other articles regarding Fallujah:
- Department of Defense news release
- Multi-National Force-Iraq news release
- Christian Science Monitor
- NY Times (Registration Required)
- BBC News, UK
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A Multi-National Force-Iraq news release indicates that "an Army unit assigned to I Marine Expeditionary Force, discovered and defused an explosive-laden youth center in Ramadi" and "also discovered more than two tons of explosives hidden in a mosque." The release did not specificy which Army unit was responsible.
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The Staten Island Advance, NY carries a report from a retired NYPD officer, Paul D. Saryian, who spent 3 months in Iraq as an International Police Liaison Officer, a program sponsored by the State Department. During that period, Officer Saryian spent time working with the 1-503rd in Ramadi, and gives this report on the battalion:

"But what impressed me most about the 1-503rd Battalion was its patience, perseverance and professionalism. After having spent a tour in South Korea, the 1-503rd had now moved to Iraq -- an unfamiliar, hostile environment. However, its ability to communicate and work well with the Iraqi people helped produce many positive results. The true success of these missions cannot be quantified."
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The Vallejo News, CA has a story on a Harley-Davidson dealer that is hosting a fundraiser to send care packages to what seems to be a platoon level unit of the 1-503rd. One of the Harley-Davidson technicians is the father of a soldier in the unit.