American forces thrust into the heart of the rebel stronghold of Fallujah today, fighting fierce street battles not seen since the Vietnam war and conducting house-to-house searches on the second day of a major assault to recapture the Iraqi city.
But heavy street clashes were raging in the northern sectors of Fallujah amid fierce bursts of gunfire, residents said. At least two US tanks were engulfed in flames, witnesses said. There was no confirmation of casualties.
Cavalry commander Colonel Michael Formica said a security cordon around the city will be tightened to insure insurgents dressed in civilian clothing don’t slip out.
“My concern now is only one – not to allow any enemy to escape. As we tighten the noose around him, he will move to escape to fight another day. I do not want these guys to get out of here. I want them killed or captured as they flee,” he said.
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2004/11/09/story174980.html