Conflicts in Iraq Expanded to Northern Area

April 8 -- Following the bombing of Islam monasteries in Fallujah, the U.S. has issued a statement to Iraq that any additional monasties supportive of insurgents will also face attack.

Islam monasteries in the Fallujah area have declared holy war upon U.S. forces stationed in Iraq. The attacks which originated in the southern and central part of Iraq, are quickly spreading to the northern region.

Tensions run high as the Shiite Muslim holiday, Arbienya nears. In honor of the day approximately three million people embark on a pilgrimage, raising concerns that it will become the gathering may lead to further crisis.

“Though we’ve restrained ourselves from attacking the monasteries, which are the religious facilities, it will no longer be protected if it is utilized as a place to provoke further violation,” remarked Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, spokesperson of the U.S. forces in Iraq,.

According to General Kimmitt, the U.S. stance comes after radical leader of the Shiite Muslims, Muqtada al-Sadr warned, “The U.S. will confront the second Vietnam War in the near future.” The leading figure of the moderate Shiite Muslims, Ali al-Sistani, who has maintained silence to this point, has come forward stating, “The U.S. forces have stimulated the uncertainty in the public by destroying the private properties when they suppress the insurgents.”

In Kirkuk, demonstrators who protested against the U.S. forces assault on Fallujah, and the U.S. forces collided against each other, leaving 13 Iraqi dead and 20 wounded.

Al Kut, in southern Iraq, has been occupied by the militia corps since the Ukraine forces withdrew. At Karbala, the Bulgarian forces have been besieged by the Shiite militia corps, and are requesting U.S. forces step in with additional military force.

In Tikrit, Ramadi, Nashiriya, Amara, and Baghdad, coalition forces have confronted insurgents. In Hawiza, 1,500 demonstrators have pledged to battle U.S. forces, promising, “The U.S. forces slaughter the innocent citizens in Fallujah.”

Responding to Iraqi threat, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has decided, “We will leave the military forces which are scheduled to evacuate from Iraq.” Since the battles began on April 4, 400 Iraqis have been killed, according to al-Jajira TV.

Ho-Gab Lee gdt@donga.com