Articles 9.16.2005 - 9.24.2005

The Associated Press reports on "heavy fighting" this week in Ramadi: "Heavy fighting surged Friday in the Euphrates River city of Ramadi, police and hospital officials said, and the U.S. military reported the deaths of two more soldiers around the militant stronghold, scene of nearly one-quarter of 29 American deaths this month. [...] The U.S. military declined to say if it was conducting a large offensive against Ramadi, but police and residents have reported heavy fighting there during the past week. Seven service members have died in or near the city, located 70 miles west of Baghdad, since Sept. 1."

Six of the 7 fallen service members were part of the 28th ID of the Pennsylvania National Guard and it's attached units. The 2nd BCT, 28th ID, replaced the 2nd BCT, 2nd ID in Ramadi. One Marine from the 3/7 Marines (which is presently replacing the 1/5 Marines) was also killed in Ramadi on 9.15.2005. Our hearts go out to their families.