U.S. jets, artillery hit Fallujah

Targets struck as American and Iraqi government forces prepare for what could be major battle for city

BY MATTHEW MCALLESTER | STAFF CORRESPONDENT

November 5, 2004

NEAR FALLUJAH, Iraq - American jets and artillery batteries launched attacks on the insurgent-held city of Fallujah yesterday, hitting targets in the run-up to what could be a major assault on the Sunni- dominated town.

About 30 miles to the south, rebels killed three British soldiers who were part of a battle group sent north last week to free up American troops for the possible battle. Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to redeploy the soldiers to a more dangerous part of Iraq was already unpopular; the soldiers' deaths are likely to increase criticism of the beleaguered British leader.

Meanwhile, American and Iraqi government forces continued to prepare outside the city for what could be the largest battle in the war since the invasion last year. A senior U.S. intelligence officer last night said that American forces have observed rebels making their own preparations, digging fortifications in the city and forming fighting groups of about 20 men. The officer, Maj. Jim West of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, said the greatest threat in the city came from the foreign fighters who have come to Fallujah to prove their commitment to jihad and gain influence in their hometowns or villages.

What the U.S. military does not pretend to know, however, is either how many insurgents there are in the city or how many foreigners make up their number.

"It's really difficult to say," West said. "They come and go at will. One day there might be a lot more than another. They're looking to take their war stories back home."

West said the military has not sealed off the city, even for men of fighting age, and so insurgents may be moving out of Fallujah before a battle without being intercepted.

He said he had indications that Jordanian-born militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi may be moving in and out of Fallujah. Zarqawi's group is believed by American forces here to be responsible for many kidnappings, at least six beheadings, and numerous attacks on American and Iraqi government forces.

If the battle were to begin, he said, the military would seal off the roads leading from the city in order to prevent insurgents from escaping. But it would be impossible to seal it completely, he said.

"You can't contain people," he said. "It's an open desert out there."

Assuming an American victory, the power vacuum in the city will be filled by new Iraqi leaders, West said. "The IIG is establishing a government to take over Fallujah," he said.

There was fighting yesterday between Marines and insurgents in the nearby town of Ramadi, the U.S. military said.

Last night, the sound of artillery could be heard again, as it is most nights here.