Hey, Theolein:
Yesterday, we were discussing the restraint in tactics obviously being used by the coalition forces. I don't recall which thread that was in, but I thought you might be interested in this in today's Telegraph, so I'll post it here. It discusses the frustration the troops are experiencing not being allowed to use heavy weapons, and the way the Iraqis are using civilian clothes to blend in with the civilian population (another war crime, by the way). In particular, this struck me:
And also this passage:
Anyway, an interesting (if disturbing) read.
Yesterday, we were discussing the restraint in tactics obviously being used by the coalition forces. I don't recall which thread that was in, but I thought you might be interested in this in today's Telegraph, so I'll post it here. It discusses the frustration the troops are experiencing not being allowed to use heavy weapons, and the way the Iraqis are using civilian clothes to blend in with the civilian population (another war crime, by the way). In particular, this struck me:
Quote:
|
In the latest insight into the resistance, one of Capt Waldron's patrols stopped a civilian car on a routine search and found an armed Iraqi in the back seat. This was not a trained soldier but a 12-year-old boy, his face stricken with terror as he hugged an AK47 to his chest. According to the unit that detained him, the boy said he had been given the weapon by men from Saddam's paramilitary forces. They entered his home, forced it into his hands and then told him to confront the American invaders. US intelligence now believes that the Fedayeen, a paramilitary group under the control of Saddam's second son, Qusay, and loyalists from Iraq intelligence services are issuing weapons to citizens in the cities at the forefront of the American advance. They are ordering them to fight or face brutal reprisals not only upon them but also their families. |
And also this passage:
Quote:
|
The Americans, seeing that their attackers were in civilian clothes, at first shot above their heads but, as they came closer, they opened fire, killing several Iraqis before the rest surrendered. The unit commander described the assault as "almost a suicide attack". Saddam knows that Washington, worried about alienating public opinion in the Middle East in particular, is keen to avoid what the military terms collateral damage - innocent civilians accidentally killed in warfare. |
Anyway, an interesting (if disturbing) read.