April 10, 2004

The New York Times > International > Middle East > U.S. Preparing Long Iraq Drive to Quell Unrest

The New York Times > International > Middle East > U.S. Preparing Long Iraq Drive to Quell Unrest

A thoughtful piece, but the terrorists must be found and killed to the extent that's possible. General Kimmitt has it right:

"Assessments by American military intelligence put the strength of the Sadr militia at between 300 and 400 hard-core fighters, but note that it can rouse between 3,000 and 6,000 foot soldiers or other sympathizers.

Already, "We think we have taken away a significant capability," Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, deputy director for operations of the military's task force in Iraq, said in a telephone interview. "It no longer is an offensive threat; but it still remains a threat." General Kimmitt said the order had gone out "to destroy the Sadr militia — deliberately, precisely and powerfully."

No comments: