Articles 7.6.2005

A Multi-National Force-Iraq news release reports the conclusion of Operation Sword. According to the article, "There were no fatalities among Iraqi or American forces" and "No major battles or air strikes occurred." Marines and Iraqi Security Forces will remain at Camp Hit on the outskirts of the town, "the first time the ISF and Marines will live and work continuously within the city." It was never fully reported which 2nd BCT units were involved in the operation.
===========
An Associated Press article mentions an incident in Ramadi: "Another mortar attack killed two sisters, ages 20 and 30, doctors said, in an area just north of Ramadi, the capital of the volatile western Anbar province. It was not known who fired the mortar."
===========
A Department of Defense news release reports on a helicopter fire in Ramadi: "The military is investigating a fire that destroyed a CH-47 Chinook helicopter near Camp Ramadi July 2. All crew and passengers exited the aircraft safely, officials said. One crewman suffered minor injuries and was treated. The aircraft was assigned to Multinational Force Iraq and was used for resupply operations."
===========
Other articles from the region:
- Christian Science Monitor: Steady violence threatens Iraq's diplomatic relations
- Washington Post (reg req'd): U.S. Taking More Direct Role on Iraq Crime
- Knight Ridder: Insurgents in Iraq target high-ranking Muslim diplomats