OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN SAMARRA

CENTCOM ^ | October 1, 2004

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

	NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

October 1, 2004
Release Number: 04-10-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN SAMARRA

TIKRIT, Iraq – In response to repeated and unprovoked attacks by anti-Iraqi forces, Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces secured the government and police buildings in Samarra early in the morning of October 1 in support of the Iraq Interim Government and the people of Samarra.

Soldiers from the 202nd Iraqi National Guard Battalion, 7th Iraqi Army Battalion, and 1st Infantry Division secured key government buildings and locations throughout the city in order to facilitate orderly government processes, kill or capture anti-Iraqi forces, and set the conditions to proceed with infrastructure and quality of life improvements for the people of Samarra.

Iraqi and multi-national forces have conducted joint patrols in the city since Multi-National and Iraqi forces reseated the City Council on September 9. Unimpeded access throughout the city for Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces is non-negotiable.

Anti-Iraqi force attacks and acts of intimidation against the people of Samarra have undermined the security situation in the city. Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces are responding to restore order and normalcy for the people of Samarra.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

1st Infantry Division - Iraqi National Guard, bad news for the "Sunni Triangle" bad guys, ping!

[MEG33]

I heard the Iraqi Interior minister say this morning the terrorists had held the town hostage...

[kingu]

About frickin' time. Leaving a town in the hands of terrorists is something that no one should do.

[Coop]

CNN reporting 94 terrorists (oh, excuse me - anti-occupation freedom fighters!) were killed. Haven't heard about coalition casualties.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

96 Killed in Major U.S. Assault in Iraq (1 Oct, 04) - AP

Master Sgt. Robert Powell, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said 96 insurgents were believed killed during Friday's clashes. Dr. Khalid Ahmed said at least 80 bodies and more than 100 wounded were brought to Samarra General Hospital, but it was not immediately clear how many of them were insurgents. The hospital was running out of bandages, oxygen and other supplies, Ahmed said.

One American soldier was killed and four were wounded..

~*~

Greg Palkot and Steve Harrigan are back in Iraq.

Steve Harrigan reporting that the Iraqi security forces have re-taken the center of Samarra.

Very good news.

Thank you to all our brave allied reporters!

[Coop]

I was just coming back to update this thread with those numbers. :-) Good work!

[Ed_in_NJ]

BRAVO! bump

[Rocket1968]

Prime Minister Alawhi hinted strongly that Faluga is next. I didn't hear all he had to say, but I got the distinct impression that he has had it. An offensive in Faluga before the election will help President Bush. Alawhi knows this and wants the President re-elected.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Following orders - knowing you and other allies would be here. (^:

           - US Military

[Coop]

The Wash Times had an article yesterday that Fallujah is in the crosshairs.

[MEG33]

BUMP!

[SwatTeam]

Great! it's time to kick ass and take names.

[SAMWolf]

Go Get Em, Big Red One!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

"..In multiple engagements throughout the morning Soldiers destroyed mortar sites, RPG teams, and vehicles carrying anti-Iraqi forces, killing numerous AIF. All units achieved their objectives."                                      - Joint Iraqi – MNF Operation Commences in Samarra (second release)

[CholeraJoe]

Steve Harrigan is the bravest reporter of all. He's been in the middle of it all since October of 2001. He was in Mazar-i-sharif, Afghanistan with the Northern Alliance taking incoming fire.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[blackie]

Killing bad guys ~ Bump!

We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~