Articles 2.21.2005

There are several articles on Operation River Blitz, but few new details. The only consistently reported facts are that checkpoints have been set up and a curfew imposed in Ramadi, and raids have been conducted in several cities including Ramadi, Hit, Baghdadi and Haditha.

The Desert Strike FRG site links to the original press release, which implies that the 2nd BCT is involved (no article explicitly mention any 2nd BCT units, only the 1st Marine Division under which the 2nd BCT operates).

CNN.com quotes 1st Marine Division commander Maj. Gen. Richard Natonski on the objective of the operation, which is to "increase our security operations ... to locate, isolate and defeat" insurgents operating from the area. An Iraqi interior ministry official called the operation in Ramadi "purely routine", suggesting it is not a larger offensive.

The NY Times (reg req'd) suggests that "The offensive appeared to be a new phase in the military strategy adopted last summer", consisting of a "plan to reclaim a string of cities that had fallen to insurgent control." At the same time, officials said "the offensive had been requested by Iraq's interim government." The article discusses the strategic importance of Ramadi.

The LA Times (reg req'd) and Knight Ridder News Services report that a Marine spokesman indicates that "the Ramadi operation was designed to ensure a peaceful transition from Iraq's interim government to the transitional government now forming after a national election last month." The spokesman downplayed any comparisons to the November attack in Fallujah. Ramadi citizens have expressed concerns, and there are reports (and pictures) of insurgents running through the streets. 1st Marine Division Spokesman Cpt. Bradley Gordon said "The extremists from Fallujah are not taking hold in Ramadi. The insurgency is Ramadi seems to be more criminal in nature."

The Associated Press indicates several raids were conducted in several cities, giving no specifics. Sections of Ramadi were sealed off on 2.21.2005 with access available only through checkpoints.

The washington Post (reg req'd) claims a broader extent: "U.S. and Iraqi security forces surrounded the city of Ramadi... in an effort to confront a simmering insurgency that has gripped the city and spilled into neighboring towns and villages in recent months."

The London Independent claims that "American and Iraqi government forces have surrounded the city of Ramadi in preparation for an expected full-scale attack on the city, which has in effect slipped into the hands of insurgents." However, this view is not consistent with all of the other reports that contend this operation is not a "full-scale attack".
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The Great Falls, MT, Tribune has an article on the family of a 2nd BCT soldier. Steven Hurd (rank wasn't given), of the 1-503rd, and his younger brother Daniel, a soldier in the 3rd Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment, are both on duty in combat zones. Steven Hurd suffered a shrapnel wound near Fallujah in Sept 2004 and returned to duty. Their parents discuss how they cope, including on-line support groups for sharing information and faith in the training their sons have received. (note: this article was forwarded to me from "Ryan and Tracey" - Thanks for sending the link.)
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Reuters has an article on the difficulties of the reconstruction efforts. The primary example of insurgent interference involves an "$8.4 million contract from U.S. authorities to build two sewage plants" in Ramadi, which would have brought thousands of jobs to the area. The Iraqi contractor company, which initially committed in June 2004, was threatened and was forced to withraw it's contract. According to the article, Ramadi still does not have it's new sewage system.
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Other articles from the region:
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Army Having Difficulty Meeting Goals In Recruiting
- Time Magazine: Talking with the Enemy
- LA Times (reg req'd): Violence Trumps Rebuilding in Iraq
- LA Times (reg req'd): To Rebuild Amid Danger: an Alliance