Major offensive in Falluja ready to commence

[cycloneye]

Iraq's interim prime minister said the "window is closing" for a peaceful settlement in the city of Falluja.

There was no immediate indication that the much-anticipated assault was under way.

U.S. warplanes, including AC-130 gunships, have bombarded insurgent targets in recent days to soften up positions ahead of the offensive.

More than 20 explosions jolted the region early Saturday, with fireballs lighting up the night sky and the sound of AC-130 gunship cannon fire rattling the area.

U.S. tanks were also engaged in the northeastern part of Falluja, and artillery was fired at insurgent positions. Machine gun fire and small arms fire could be heard as well, although the insurgent response was relatively light compared to the force being used against them.

The U.S. and Iraqi governments have said the Abu Musab al-Zarqawi terror network is based in the city, and Iraqi authorities have tried to get Falluja city leaders to hand over the insurgents.

Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi told reporters in Brussels, Belgium, where he attended a European Union summit, that the "window is closing" for a peaceful resolution to Falluja.

"We hope they will come to their senses. Otherwise, we have to bring them to face the justice," said Allawi. "We intend to liberate the people and bring the rule of law to Falluja."

The decision as to when the assault might begin rests with Allawi.

Several thousand U.S. Marines, backed by Iraqi army forces and elements of the U.S. Army, have taken up positions around Falluja, about 40 miles west of Baghdad, in preparation for the offensive


I only hope that AL ZARQAWI is captured or killed in this operation because he is the principal cause for the insurrection in Iraq.

[BEER980]

It shall be known as "al-Zarqawi last stand". This is going to get ugly.

[southerngale]

I hope you're right Beer.

It's God's job to punish al-Zarqawi.
It's our job to arrange the meeting.

[cycloneye]

I hope you're right Beer.

It's God's job to punish al-Zarqawi.
It's our job to arrange the meeting.

Yes Kelly great words about this.