Synopsis
The escalating insurgent activity following the fall of Saddam Hussein in Fallujah made the scene of one of the bloodiest battles Americans had seen since Vietnam. Despite the attempt of multiple units that came and gone over 20 months, Fallujah became Iraq’s most dangerous city in 2004. Following a the death of 4 American contractors it would become the scene of Operation Vigilant Resolve (The First Battle of Fallujah) and then after a short lived cease fire Operation Phantom Fury, also known as “The Battle of Fallujah II” would start on November 7, 2004. The Marines now ordered again for the second time now to seize Fallujah. This time, hundreds of foreign fighters came to Iraq and made their way to the all ready battle hardened city to fight the infidel invaders. These jihadists would test the Marines, America’s shock troops. The fighting raged from house to house, roof top to roof top, and using guerilla tactics the insurgents dodged and weaved their way through the narrow streets and alleyways until the battle was over leaving the city of Fallujah wrecked for the residents to return to. The extended battles showcased how the media, politics, and combined arms shaped the battlefield during one of the highest points of conflict in Iraq.
After Saddam Hussein’s murderous regime was destroyed by America’s military muscle in the latter days of April 2003 most of Iraq was experiencing a time of happiness. The Iraqis could go anywhere they pleased and say anything they want. In the capital of Iraq, Baghdad, American military forces were greeted with smiles and friendly waves. Not so much the cause in Fallujah. Located in what is known as the Sunni Triangle just 40 miles west of Baghdad the city of approximately 300,000 ...
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...ns followed the assault. The Prime Minister opened the city for residents on 23 December. Every person and vehicle was searched and military aged males were registered with biometric tools as they reentered the city. Contractors hired Fallujan residents to rebuild the city. Regular town hall meetings were held and humanitarian payments were handed out to the head of every household to help them get reestablished. On 30 January 2005 residents of Fallujah voted in droves and for many that was considered the payoff and one of the most gratifying moments of phase 4. Insurgent operational capacity seemed severely impaired by notable drops in indirect fire attacks against coalition forces.
Works Cited
No True Glory
The Battle of Fallujah-Part II, By John F. Sattler & Daniel H. Wilson - Originally Published July 2005 http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/operation-al-fajr
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Hynes, Samuel Lynn. "What Happened in Nam." The soldiers' tale: bearing witness to modern war. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: A. Lane, 1997. 177-222. Print.
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