Wednesday, April 18, 2007
U.S. troops lay siege to Anbar villages
Security
(Azzaman) - U.S. troops have laid siege to two villages in the restive Province of Anbar. The move to cordon off the villages came after a U.S. foot patrol was decimated by insurgents through the detonation of several explosive devices. Eyewitnesses say at least 11 U.S. soldiers were either killed or seriously wounded when the improvised explosive devices went off simultaneously.
Iraqi insurgents have increased their attacks in the three months since the so-called U.S. ‘surge’ to pacify Baghdad. U.S. casualties have increased and the rebels have intensified their presence in cities, towns and villages outlying Baghdad. Baghdad itself is not quiet despite the latest deployment of tens of thousands of U.S. and Iraqi troops. Sectarian killings have dropped, but observers say this is due to a decision by sectarian factions to stop reprisal attacks.
Witnesses said U.S. armored vehicles, tanks, and infantry have imposed ‘an iron corridor’ around the villages of Allous and al-Khafajiya. The villagers deny involvement in the attacks and fear the troops will eventually storm their villages, conduct house-house searches and carry out summary arrests.
Iraqi insurgents have increased their attacks in the three months since the so-called U.S. ‘surge’ to pacify Baghdad. U.S. casualties have increased and the rebels have intensified their presence in cities, towns and villages outlying Baghdad. Baghdad itself is not quiet despite the latest deployment of tens of thousands of U.S. and Iraqi troops. Sectarian killings have dropped, but observers say this is due to a decision by sectarian factions to stop reprisal attacks.
Witnesses said U.S. armored vehicles, tanks, and infantry have imposed ‘an iron corridor’ around the villages of Allous and al-Khafajiya. The villagers deny involvement in the attacks and fear the troops will eventually storm their villages, conduct house-house searches and carry out summary arrests.
In Haditha, a major town in Anbar, hundreds people took to the streets and marched close to U.S. barracks, raising placards and denouncing U.S. President George Bush. “Stop the campaign of executions and killings against the people of Haditha and its villages,” read one placard. Residents say U.S. troops killed an elderly man and two brothers and stormed their houses by destroying doors and furniture and stealing ‘precious items.’
Labels: Al Anbar, al-Khafajiya, Allous, U.S. troops
