US troops focus on al Qaeda in Ramadi
Thu Jun 1, 2006 1:50 PM ET
By Michael Georgy
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - "We are very concerned about Ramadi. The situation in Ramadi is very serious," chief U.S. military spokesman Major General William Caldwell told a news conference.
The U.S. military has not suggested publicly that a big offensive is expected in Ramadi, 110 km (70 miles) west of Baghdad. But U.S. military officials appear to be focusing more on the town, capital of
"Al Qaeda militants have increased their presence. The extra troops have been brought in to facilitate the movement of other troops and deal with al Qaeda," said military spokesman Colonel Nelson McCouch.
He said the troops would be based in Ramadi, which has emerged as the biggest hotspot in Iraq after a major U.S. military offensive crushed al Qaeda militants and insurgents in 2004 in nearby Falluja, a former rebel bastion.
U.S. Marines have launched a series of offensives against rebel strongholds, notably in towns along the Euphrates River from the Syrian border to Falluja.
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