Heavy Clashes in Ramadi as U.S. Troop Buildup Begins [View All]

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. forces battled rebels in Ramadi and pounded Falluja on Monday, but there was no sign that an all-out American-led offensive to retake the insurgent-held cities had begun on the eve of the U.S. presidential election.

~snip~

The Marines are preparing to attack Ramadi and Falluja in a drive to pacify Iraq before the Iraqi national assembly polls.


It is not clear if the assault will begin before Tuesday's American presidential poll. Iraq has been a divisive campaign theme, President Bush (news - web sites) defending the invasion to topple Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) and his handling of its aftermath against fierce criticism from Democratic challenger John Kerry (news - web sites).

~snip~

The Ramadi clashes broke out in the east of the city around 7 a.m. (11 p.m. EST Sunday). Black smoke rose from buildings as gunmen fired grenades and mortar rounds amid heavy U.S. return fire.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=578&ncid=578&e=4&u=/nm/20041101/ts_nm/iraq_dc

And the media is silent. :(