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Iraq-Jordan
Coalition forces have retaken Kut
2004-04-09
U.S.-led coalition forces have retaken control of the southern Iraqi city of Kut, a military spokeswoman said Friday.
That's good to hear...
The spokeswoman had no other information about how troops regained control of the city, which had been overrun by a militia led by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr. On Thursday, Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the top U.S. general in Iraq, vowed that coalition forces would move “imminently” to break al-Sadr’s hold over Kut, 95 miles southeast of Baghdad, and destroy his Mahdi Army militia across the country in a new operation dubbed “Resolute Sword.” Ukrainian troops in Kut abandoned their base Wednesday in the face of mortar fire and gunbattles, allowing Mahdi Army fighters to sweep in, seizing weapons stores and planting their flag. The militia also has full control over the southern cities of Kufa and the central part of Najaf. Police in the cities have abandoned their stations or stood aside as the gunmen roam the streets.
Posted by:Phil B

#8  Thanks again, LH. Zeyad reports that Sistani has issued an anti-violence fatwa, and takes Sistani to task for not having done so earlier.
Posted by: Matt   2004-04-09 4:42:41 PM  

#7  ABC reports the Following

Coalition forces also have moved in to block the road between Kufa and Najaf, a senior aide to al-Sadr, Sheik Qays al-Khaz'ali, told the AP.
Posted by: Liberalhawk   2004-04-09 4:28:53 PM  

#6  Reuters reports on situation in Abu Ghraib, implying insurgents in full control, but AFP indicates US troops (Army?) engaging insurgents in Abu Ghraib. I suspect AFP is correct, Coaliton MUST secure road from Baghdad to Fallujah, head off "countersiege"

Coalition reports things getting quieter in Sadr City, full control of govt buildings. Yet AFP reports US troops gone from a half dozen police station, at least one other govt building. My guess - they're prioritizing Abu Ghraib over Sadr City. Sign that they expect to open the road to Fallujah, and win at Fallujah relatively quickly, then proceed more slowly with Mehdi army.
Posted by: Liberalhawk   2004-04-09 1:36:32 PM  

#5  The Command Post has summary of briefing by Kimmitt. I like this bullet point:

"Ramadi - Sheik gave up name of 11 insurgents, they were captured"

There is hope post-6/30....
Posted by: Carl in N.H   2004-04-09 1:35:04 PM  

#4  AP has more on retaking of Kut, which it says was completed last night. A convoy of US troops went to the city to retake it. Some IP and ICDC supported the recapture, even as some cooperated with the Mehdi army.

AFP reports insurgents control portion of the road west from Baghdad to Fallujah, notably in vicinity of Abu Ghraib which seems to be in rebel hands. Report that 55 prisoners freed from prison their.
Posted by: Liberalhawk   2004-04-09 11:15:23 AM  

#3  Thanks, LH. Good summaries.
Posted by: Dar   2004-04-09 11:06:43 AM  

#2  CNN reports that Mahdis army in Kut being attacked by local Iraqi tribals, who are calling for US assistance, reconquest of city NOT complete. CNN also reports fighting in Nassiriya, no details.
Posted by: Liberalhawk   2004-04-09 10:32:02 AM  

#1  Summary Situation report
1. Upper Euphrates Valley
A. Ramadi - Quiet?
B. Fallujah - Fighting resumes after a break to allow civilians to depart and to clear dead and wounded. USMC controls 25-50% of city? US reinforcements on the way?
2. Upper Tigris Valley
A. Baquba - some fighting around govt buildings
3. Baghdad
Coalition in control of all police stations and govt buildings. Mahdi army HQ destroyed in raid. Fighting continues in Sadr City. Insurgents, presumably Sunni, operating openly at Western edge of City, harrassing coalition convoys
4. Lower Tigris Valley
A. Kut - Recaptured by coalition, against light resistance
B. Asmara, Basra - quiet, Brits have deal to allow IP control of city centers
5. Lower Euphrates Valley
A. Kufa - Mahdi army has full control
B. Karbala - Polish and Bulgarian troops, now reinforced by 120 Americans, contest control of city center with Mahdi army
C. Najaf - Mahdi army controls "half of city" coalition operations have begun
D. Samawwa - Japanese troops taking mortar attacks
E. Nassariyah - quiet, Italian troops have made deal with IP to control city.

Overall - Still no sign of rebellion broadening in South. Definite signs of Mahdi army - Sunni linkages in Baghdad. Tigris Valley route from Baghdad to Kuwait in coalition hands, relieving fears of Baghdad being cut off from coalition resupply. Coalition starting to move troops around strategically. Likelihood that next steps are to advance in Fallujah, Kufa, and to secure Sadr City section of Baghdad, attriting enemy forces, before turning to the more delicate task of retaking the shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala.
Posted by: Liberalhawk   2004-04-09 10:09:26 AM  

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