***Operation Iraqi Freedom - Situation Room - Day 14 - LIVE THREAD***

[ztiworoh]

So is ANYTHING going on right now?? Or are we in stagnant news waters?

Im a little anxious, I want some excitement!

[prairiebreeze]

CentCom says there are conflicting reports that only 6 people were on board the helicopter that went down. Seems the numbers are still in question according to Scarborough

Prairie

[prairiebreeze]

Blackhawk shot down by small arms fire in s. Iraq

[mhking]

Did anybody see the report that al Jazeera was just told to leave Baghdad?

Al Jazeera is having problems; they've pulled the plug on their English language service, as well as their Arabic service (or at least they're about to pull that one).

I'm afraid that the Iraqis are about to make a real mess of things...the war ain't over yet - not by a long shot.

[Hunble]

Personally, I am waiting to see the first American GI walk in front of the Baghdad webcam.

[Sacajaweau]

Silencing Al Jazeera could mean their media knows something about Saddam and/or that they want to destroy it so we don't take it over. I think it's the only station the ordinary Iraqis can watch.

[Otta B Sleepin]

As we get close and closer to Baghdad, the reporters will get their stories but probably won't be able to put them out right away for security purposes.

It's going to make for some incredible reading, that's for sure.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

I agree. Protecting the troops and civilians while dealing w/ the press - these Generals have heroic self-restraint.

[Fledermaus]

David Bloom with 3rd ID "on the move" through Karbala

[glock rocks]

don't be too sure we haven't already seen him :o)

remember achmed the janitor? uh huh. spec forces.

[Nam Vet]

If the Iraqi gov't is kicking arab press out as reported, it's because they are planning to use gas. They don't want arab news witnessing it. That way it can just be denied later. If we were really smart we would invite al-Jazz to report from the probable areas to be gassed! Tell them right up front that is why the written invitation.

Nam Vet

[MEG33]

On the move maybe 10 miles .RG on the move toward us.

[Lauratealeaf]

did'nt they have an episode on the Simpsons where Tina Brown took over Mad magazine.

Sorry I missed that!

[Fledermaus]

Hmmm, which side would I want to be on...hmmmm.

[Hunble]

I have the webcam audio up loud tonight. We should be able to hear the artillary.

Darn Birds!

[knak]

I'm ready to see American tanks cruisin' the baghdad strip!

[freepersup]

Aircraft loses for the total amount in theater is relatively low, as are our overall casualties, although statistics mean nothing to the souls lost aboard these downed aircraft. My guess is the air assets are performing missions closer to the deck, as the battle for Baghdad reaches a peak, and puts the birds at greater risk.

I suspect we won't hear much about the Hornet pilot and the crash as a plan may be under way to recover the pilot, as we speak.

FWIW, the ABC report stated that the a/c was downed at 7:30 PM- Baghdad time, 10:30 AM- CST. Survival, escape, resistance, & evasion, underway for the last 11 hours providing the pilot is not in Iraqi hands and is OK.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

FN: Greg Palkot in Amman: Coalition forces on the move...some reports 10 miles from Baghdad. 40 smart bombs dropped on security facility in Baghdad tonight...serves the RG. Heh...4 journalists, unharmed but witnessed Iraqi prisoners dragged from their cells, beaten and screaming.

[Sacajaweau]

I'm having trouble understanding why the Iraqis are moving TOWARD us?????

[GOPyouth]

Baier: F-18 shot down by missile near Karbalah