Article

2007-06-20 Iraq

U.S. Seeks to Block Exits for Iraq Insurgents

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Posted by GolfBravoUSMC 2007-06-20 10:52|| || Front Page|| [11138 views ] Top
File under: Iraqi Insurgency

#1 "produced spectacular secondary explosions "
Now that's an adjective I never expected from the NYT in this context!

Posted by Glenmore">Glenmore 2007-06-20 12:57|| 2007-06-20 12:57|| Front Page Top

#2 Sounds like the engineers are getting to use some of their special tools. Engineers can kick ass if used properly.

Posted by Whiskey Mike 2007-06-20 13:06|| 2007-06-20 13:06|| Front Page Top

#3 "...The goal is not merely to reclaim western Baquba from insurgent control, but to capture or kill the estimated 300 fighters to 500 fighters who are believed to be based in that part of the city..."

kill would be far, far better than capture

Posted by mhw 2007-06-20 13:19|| 2007-06-20 13:19|| Front Page Top

#4 The Virginville sign is new, isn't it? The camping sign is quite the eschatological metaphor.

Just so you guys know, I'm a big fan of the pictures.

Posted by Penguin 2007-06-20 13:48|| 2007-06-20 13:48|| Front Page Top

#5 How come we didn't telegraph this operation? Did I miss it?

Posted by Bobby 2007-06-20 14:01|| 2007-06-20 14:01|| Front Page Top

#6 No offense to the commanders on the ground but would this not have been a good idea before now? I always keep some mounted units on hand to run down routed armies in the tactical level of Total War...

Posted by Excalibur 2007-06-20 15:53|| 2007-06-20 15:53|| Front Page Top

#7 Reading this article it is obvious that the new GPS Multiple Rocket Launching System (GMRLS) are in theater and in use. Just think no loitering aircraft that need to be refueled or go back to base and be re-armed. No waiting for an aircraft to get on station.

These babies are on call 24/7 and can reach out up to 50 miles. It only takes a few minutes to rack up another 12 rockets. With multiple launcher systems they can rain GPS munitions on a battle space to order. The grunts have got to love this system.

The GPS warheads are expensive, but compared to lives saved who cares. This cost is offset by the savings from old system of Planes, Crews, Refuelers, Fuel, GPS Bombs, Airbases, Carriers, etc.

This probably doesnt make the flyboys to secure and fuzzy.

Dude this is way Cool!!!

Posted by GolfBravoUSMC 2007-06-20 15:58|| 2007-06-20 15:58|| Front Page Top

#8 American troops have already begun to work with more than 100 Iraqis on the eastern side of the city a group American soldiers have nicknamed the Kit Carson scouts.

The press isn't much for historical references, are they?

As for the story... Yon's description was much better. The US and Iraqi forces are leaving an escape route for the jihadis -- into Iran. You always leave your enemies a way out, hopefully one you have a good watch over.

Posted by Rob Crawford">Rob Crawford 2007-06-20 17:45|| 2007-06-20 17:45|| Front Page Top

#9 Yeah, just because the Kit Carson Scouts have been used by the US military since the 1860s, why should the media pay attention to that? Just because converting former hostiles into fighters on the side of the US against their traditional/tribal enemies is something the US military has been doing since the battles with the Navajos, why should the media have any institutional memory about such things.

Posted by Shieldwolf 2007-06-20 18:03|| 2007-06-20 18:03|| Front Page Top

#10 The area of Diyala along the Iran border is predominantly Kurdish. Could well be Peshmerga there waiting for the rats running to the border.

Posted by phil_b 2007-06-20 18:40|| 2007-06-20 18:40|| Front Page Top

#11 I'd also add that the Shiia and the Kurds need a border between their respective regions of Iraq.

Of necessity, it is Diyala and specifically Baquba. This is decisive to the future of Iraq way beyond similar operations in places like Fallujah.

Posted by phil_b 2007-06-20 18:53|| 2007-06-20 18:53|| Front Page Top

#12 Would be nice, phil_b, I can't imagine more deserving end to them. Hope that if that is the case, they won't be overcomed by a gnawing suspicion they are about to enter a trap.

Posted by twobyfour 2007-06-20 18:54|| 2007-06-20 18:54|| Front Page Top

#13 Could well be Peshmerga there waiting for the rats running to the border.

Those Peshmerga babes are hot! It would be fitting punishment for a bunch of hot Kurd babes to whack these terrorists!

Posted by Squinty McSquinter 2007-06-20 19:17|| 2007-06-20 19:17|| Front Page Top

#14 This helps me to get a better image of where folks are. Knew we were north and south of Baghdad, but didn't realize we were bumping them up next to that line in the sand that is Iran. Thanks guys

Posted by Sherry">Sherry 2007-06-20 19:37|| 2007-06-20 19:37|| Front Page Top

#15 thanks GolfBravoUSMC, awesome weapons, and thank you Sherry for the MAP.

Posted by Red Dawg">Red Dawg 2007-06-20 22:05|| 2007-06-20 22:05|| Front Page Top

23:53 trailing wife
23:51 JosephMendiola
23:40 JosephMendiola
23:38 Mac
23:34 Fred
23:33 Tony (UK)
23:30 trailing wife
23:28 JosephMendiola
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23:13 Mike
23:06 Iblis
23:05 twobyfour
22:59 Iblis
22:59 Zenster
22:57 Penguin
22:56 DMFD
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22:17 Eric Jablow
22:08 trailing wife
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21:57 Glenmore
21:57 Red Dawg