Articles 2.11.2005

The Delco Times, PA, carries an article on Spc. Michael J. Smith, of the 1-503rd, who was killed in Ramadi on 1.11.2005. Township Commissioners in his hometown paid tribute to Spc. Smith "with a resolution citing his dedication to liberty, his role in fostering freedom and for making the ultimate sacrifice," and will plant a tree in his memory in the spring. Other individuals and groups paid tribute in other ways: fellow soldiers wrote letters to his family, a local Athletic Association is planning to highlight his sacrifice during a Memorial Day tribute walk, and family and friends continued to share their fond memories of Spc Smith.
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A Department of Defense news article indicates that 2nd BCT soldiers "foiled an attempt by a terrorist to coerce a child into accepting a hand grenade in Ramadi today." While on a patrol, the unidentified soldiers witnessed a man get out of a car and attempt to give a grenade to a child who they estimated to be around 10 years old. After a soldier fired a warning shot, "The child ran away as the adult returned fire with a handgun[...] A brief firefight ensued, which resulted in one terrorist being killed and two terrorists being wounded." The wounded insurgents were evacuated for medical treatment, the grenade was recovered, and no U.S. casualties were reported.
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Other incidents involving Iraqi forces in Ramadi are mentioned: Middle East Online reported that "One Iraqi soldier was killed by insurgent gunfire in Ramadi" early on 2.11.2005. A 2.10.2005 Associated Press Article reports that "Five bodies in Iraqi national guard uniforms were found yesterday in the insurgent stronghold of Ramadi, 70 miles west of Baghdad. Residents said that the slain men were among 13 guardsmen who were reported missing recently, hospital director Ala al Ani said. Two insurgents were killed yesterday in clashes with U.S. forces north of Ramadi, residents and hospital officials said." A Department of Defense News story indicates that "On Feb. 8, Iraqi police commandos captured a high value insurgent suspect along with a cache of explosives in Ramadi, officials today reported. Among the cache of explosives were wiring, detonators, radios and documents, along with information leading to graves of Iraqi National Guardsmen. Iraqi police said that Iraqi citizens provided information that led to the suspect's capture."
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Analysis: Iraq at Crucial Turning Poin
- Chicago Tribune: Insurgency predicted to survive for years
- Associated Press: General: Marines Will Reduce Iraq Presence
- NY Times (reg req'd): NATO and U.S. Plan Aid to Strengthen Iraqi Force