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04/11/2004
Black Watch patrols to block off terrorist 'rat runs'
The Black Watch regiment, which was moved closer to Baghdad to back up under-pressure US troops in the area, is preparing to carry out dangerous swoops on so-called terrorist 'rat runs'.
It has emerged today that soldiers from the Scottish unit will push out from Camp Dogwood to carry out patrols in the difficult terrain used by militants to move men and weapons into the Fallujah area.
British troops will also sweep mangrove swamps near the base, from where militants have staged rocket and mortar attacks since the 850-strong battlegroup arrived four days ago.
Engineers have already started constructing a pontoon bridge across the Euphrates allowing patrols access to the eastern bank.
The US is currently preparing for a massive assault on Fallujah, and its warplanes softened up suspected militant positions last night with an intense air bombardment.
When the assault does go ahead, the British force will be in a position to block off rebel supply and reinforcements, tightening the coalition stranglehold on the city – which lies 20 miles south of the Iraqi capital.
The battlegroup is expected to return to British-controlled Basrah within 30 days.
(gmcg/sp)
It has emerged today that soldiers from the Scottish unit will push out from Camp Dogwood to carry out patrols in the difficult terrain used by militants to move men and weapons into the Fallujah area.
British troops will also sweep mangrove swamps near the base, from where militants have staged rocket and mortar attacks since the 850-strong battlegroup arrived four days ago.
Engineers have already started constructing a pontoon bridge across the Euphrates allowing patrols access to the eastern bank.
The US is currently preparing for a massive assault on Fallujah, and its warplanes softened up suspected militant positions last night with an intense air bombardment.
When the assault does go ahead, the British force will be in a position to block off rebel supply and reinforcements, tightening the coalition stranglehold on the city – which lies 20 miles south of the Iraqi capital.
The battlegroup is expected to return to British-controlled Basrah within 30 days.
(gmcg/sp)
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25 November 2004
Black Watch swoops against militants near Fallujah
Soldiers from the Black Watch battlegroup have made a number of arrests as part of a major crackdown in a residential area thought to harbour insurgents. News agencies have reported that more than 20 people are being questioned today following a search operation on the east bank of the Euphrates close to Fallujah involving over 500 British troops.
Black Watch swoops against militants near Fallujah
Soldiers from the Black Watch battlegroup have made a number of arrests as part of a major crackdown in a residential area thought to harbour insurgents. News agencies have reported that more than 20 people are being questioned today following a search operation on the east bank of the Euphrates close to Fallujah involving over 500 British troops.
10 November 2004
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting. Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting. Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
08 April 2004
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
28 July 2003
Iraqi resistance numbered at 5,000
A US Central Command official has estimated that the number of Iraqi resistance fighters could number between 4,000 and 5,000. The official said that the figure takes into consideration the various different "actions" going on in Iraq. "Iraq is more than a guerilla war," said the senior Centcom official.
Iraqi resistance numbered at 5,000
A US Central Command official has estimated that the number of Iraqi resistance fighters could number between 4,000 and 5,000. The official said that the figure takes into consideration the various different "actions" going on in Iraq. "Iraq is more than a guerilla war," said the senior Centcom official.
19 March 2004
Pakistani troops engage al-Qaeda
Thousands of Pakistani troops are currently engaged in a fierce battle with several hundred al-Qaeda fighters and local tribesmen at the country’s border with Afghanistan.
Pakistani troops engage al-Qaeda
Thousands of Pakistani troops are currently engaged in a fierce battle with several hundred al-Qaeda fighters and local tribesmen at the country’s border with Afghanistan.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
