April 27, 2004

The New York Times > International > U.S. Planes Hit Falluja After Najaf Clash Leaves Scores Dead

There is no alternative but to eliminate these terrorist zealots. As much as death and destruction are inimical to any peaceful settlement, if we are to stay the course in Iraq, these military actions are essential.
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"Tuesday's battle appeared far heavier than the previous night's clashes, in which a Marine and eight insurgents were killed -- suggesting U.S. forces were trying to wear down gunmen in the Jolan neighborhood, a district of narrow alleyways and ramshackle houses.

An AC-130, a powerful gunship that can unleash a deluge of ordnance, joined 105mm howitzers in opening up on insurgent targets in the neighborhood. Gunfire and explosions reverberated for nearly two hours, and an eerie orange glow shone over the area while showers of sparks descended like fireworks.

Fires were visible in the Jolan neighborhood, and mosque loudspeakers elsewhere in the city called for firefighters. U.S. aircraft dropped white leaflets over Fallujah before nightfall, calling on insurgents to give up.

"Surrender, you are surrounded," the leaflets said. "If you are a terrorist, beware, because your last day was yesterday. In order to spare your life end your actions and surrender to coalition forces now. We are coming to arrest you.""

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