" Major U.S. Operation Launched in Samarra
Friday, October 01, 2004
SAMARRA, Iraq — U.S. and Iraqi forces battled their way into the heart of this Sunni stronghold Friday and moved house to house in search of militants in what appeared to be the first major offensive to regain control of areas lost to insurgents before the January elections.
More than 100 guerrillas were killed and 37 captured, according to an Iraqi official. The military said one American soldier was killed and four were wounded.
Backed by warplanes and tanks, some 5,000 troops swept in to seize the city hall, the main mosque and other important sites in Samarra (search), leaving only pockets of resistance after more than 12 hours of combat, according to the U.S. military and Iraqi authorities..."
Quoted from a FoxNews Article. www.foxnews.com
Okay, you might wonder why I've put this up, but for those who have watched me since the start-- you might know. My brother is over in Iraq and has been for about nine months now. Hes also IN that Samarra Operation thats been going on now for under a day.
I found out this morning from my mom. I knew that they were doing some operation and that it might make the news, but I didn't know that it would be this big.
Naturally, as any other family member might be, I'm scared and anxious beyond belief. We've already had a few scares today where white cars have pulled into our driveway, stopped... and then turned back out. I think it was a the same car, but damn it-- worst time to get lost people. I'm just hoping that they never have to stop here. Its a fear that plagues me everyday when I know my brother is off the base on missions.
Mom explained to me what happens when the military comes to deliver the bad news, and here I was thinking that they just drove up, gave you the news, asked you to sign some paper saying that they can release the name to the media and then go on their merry way. Looks like I need to be keeping the house clean and have clean nice clothing to wear just in case. I guess they can stay up to, well... as long as it takes to get funeral arrangements and such. Days, weeks (highly doubtful), but still.
I wonder how they feel.. having to stay with those families as they mourn the lost loved one. Mm... hopefully I won't ever have the chance to ask that question.
Jami