Terrorists inflicting death by 1000 cuts

[Francis]

snip

It has become clear the United States has difficulties countering, much less preventing, most of these operations while simultaneously engaging in the search for Saddam Hussein and other Ba'athist leaders. The latter objective has taken on increased urgency as a result.

The latest wave of sabotage and terrorism has increased the tempo of the guerrilla campaign by combining conventional and unconventional approaches in a low-intensity conflict scenario. This has given a layered look to the armed resistance, something that complicates the efforts by the occupation forces to restore order and begin the process of national restoration.

At the lowest level, small-arms attacks continue. These are more likely to be carried out by individual Iraqis operating opportunistically without ties to a command and control structure, or by small units charged with such missions by remnants of the old regime.

Attempts to bring down American aircraft with shoulder-fired missiles (with at least two confirmed attacks) are a step up from this. Still a small-cell operation, this tactic involves more local intelligence, stealth and logistical preparation, as well as technical sophistication in handling the weapon system.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?thesection=news&thesubsection=&storyID=3519243&reportID=562588

[Terran]

1. Francis

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