Posted on 04/27/2008 2:16:41 PM PDT by LibWhacker
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A barrage of about a dozen rockets struck near Baghdad's fortified Green Zone diplomatic and government compound on Sunday evening in what appeared to be one of the biggest strikes in weeks.
The rockets could be heard whistling past from the east of the Iraqi capital as they flew in the direction of the riverside compound and exploded, Reuters correspondents on the opposite river bank said.
The strikes took place during a heavy sandstorm. U.S. forces normally use helicopters to retaliate against fighters who target the Green Zone, but sandstorms prevent the helicopters from flying, letting fighters strike with impunity.
U.S. and Iraqi forces say Shi'ite militiamen have fired more than 700 rockets and mortars over the past month, many aimed at the Green Zone and most fired from the capital's Sadr City slum, stronghold of the Mehdi Army militia of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
U.S. forces have occupied the part of Sadr City closest to the centre in an effort to reduce the rocket attacks, but have not moved further into the slum.
That sums it up.
during a sandstorm is the time of choice for them - helos can’t come after them
I was typical when I was there for them to attack at those times. Sandstorms and foggy (around the rivers in the winter)weather were the preferred times for massive attacks. However, its a temporary reprieve from counter fire batteries and AC-130s looking for their mortar and rocket teams. However, there are no landmarks for them to user except fire and forget, and I see they still can’t hit the broad side of a mosque.
Hearken back to the 1940’s-50’s and this place would be completely leveled along with fat boy by now.
Meanwhile, in Tehran....
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