U.S. Launches Biggest Operation in Fallujah Since Vietnam War

In a situation where the interim government of Iraq has virtually declared a state of emergency, American forces and the governmental forces of Iraq started a massive attack on Fallujah, a stronghold of the Sunni resistance forces, on November 7 (dawn of November 8 in Korean time).

The American forces committed 12,000 troops to this operation, the largest scale in a single operation since the Incheon Landing Operation and the Vietnam War. Since the resistance forces are also equipped with heavy weapons, massive bloodshed is expected.

About 50,000 residents are currently left in Fallujah, and the number of resistance forces there is estimated to be about 3,000 to 5,000.

The American forces started the operation at dawn, simultaneously on the western and eastern areas of Fallujah and took over part of the western coast of the Euphrates River, which had been held by resistance forces. More than 60 American soldiers and resistance forces were killed, and at least 75 were injured.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warned, “The attack on Fallujah could cause massive violence and hinder the general election that is planned for next January.” During the attacks on Fallujah this past April, around 730 Iraqis and 135 Americans were killed.

Hyung-June Park lovesong@donga.com