Articles 12.23.2004

In a Department of Defense News briefing, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld twice mentions Ramadi: "Security for the elections is a top priority, with an emphasis on Fallujah, Ramadi and Mosul. Iraqi security forces will take the lead for election security; coalition forces will provide support where requested."

"Efforts to defeat the insurgents in the anti-Iraqi, anti-coalition forces who are targeting innocent citizens and coalition forces remain a top priority. Intimidation, kidnappings and executions, especially those focused in Mosul, north Babil, Ramadi and al Qaim are particularly troubling, and these areas will be a focus of particularly increased security emphasis."
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In an article on the attack on Mosul, the LA Times (via the Seattle Times) mentions other targeting of bases during meal time: "In Ramadi on Nov. 27, a rocket harmlessly hit the dirt about 50 yards from the main mess hall."
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A Reuters Article indicates that the police chief for the Anbar Province has quit after his house was attacked by gunmen in Ramadi.
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Knight Ridder and other news services report that a recent poll indicates that 71% of Iraqis "strongly intend" to vote in the upcoming election. The poll was conducted across most of Iraq, but did not include Fallujah, Ramadi and Mosul. An unidentified State Department official said undisclosed special procedures are being implemented to allow voting in the Anbar province.
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The US Central Command web-site carries a single picture of serviceman working on a bulldozer with the following caption: "A bulldozer pours more dirt into the burm around the perimeter of the Agriculture College near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Division (1/503rd) are making the Agriculture College into a new Combat Outpost across the street from the existing location."
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This Week Community Newspaper, OH, has an article on an elementary school that collected and mailed 30 care packages to the 1-9th Infantry as part of "Operation Package", the program initiated by 1-9th Commander Lt. Col. Joe Southcott.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: General: Suicide Bomber Behind Mosul Attack
- Associated Press: U.S. Re-Examines Security at Iraq Bases
- USA Today: Mosul attack evidence insurgents' intel better
- LA Times (reg req'd): Iraq Security Tightened, but Flaws Deemed Unavoidable
- NY Times (reg req'd): Holiday Memories Sharpen the Pain for Families of Soldiers Killed in Iraq
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Residents of Samarra Fear Reprisals for Informing on Rebels
- Christian Science Monitor: More signs of Syria turn up in Iraq