Fallujah battles recall Vietnam street battles
American forces thrust into the heart of the rebel stronghold of Fallujah today, fighting fierce street battles not seen since the Vietnam war and conducting house-to-house searches on the second day of a major assault to recapture the Iraqi city.
The US military said the operation was going ”smoothly” and reported lighter-than-expected resistance in Jolan, a Sunni-militant held warren of alleyways in north-eastern Fallujah where the assault began.
But heavy street clashes were raging in the northern sectors of Fallujah amid fierce bursts of gunfire, residents said. At least two US tanks were engulfed in flames, witnesses said. There was no confirmation of casualties.
A Kiowa helicopter flying over south-east Fallujah took ground fire, injuring the pilot, but he managed to return to the US base.
By midday, US troops had made their way to the central road in the heart of the city.
Cavalry commander Colonel Michael Formica said a security cordon around the city will be tightened to insure insurgents dressed in civilian clothing don’t slip out.
“My concern now is only one – not to allow any enemy to escape. As we tighten the noose around him, he will move to escape to fight another day. I do not want these guys to get out of here. I want them killed or captured as they flee,” he said.
