U.S. Troops Step Up Operations in Baghdad

[leftchick]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050127/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_securing_the_vote&cid=540&ncid=1480

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. soldiers around Baghdad stepped up operations Thursday ahead of the Iraqi election, moving to forward positions around the capital until the end of balloting while toughening security at their main bases, a brigade commander said.


Hundreds of soldiers assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Brigade moved out from Camp Liberty, located near Baghdad's main airport, to take up positions at the smaller bases scattered around the city ahead of Sunday's vote.


U.S. troops will not be positioned at polling sites — Iraqi forces will be on guard there. But deploying more troops outside of the main, heavily guarded bases will enable them to respond quickly if needed by Iraqi forces, said Brig. Gen. John Basilica.


"We're hoping to enable the Iraqi security forces to be successful in defending the polling sites so their countrymen can vote," said Basilica, the commander of the Lafayette, La.-based brigade. "It's a critical time for them."

[bemildred]

1. How many will die trying to give some credibility to this boondoggle? nt

[leftchick]

2. I imagine there will be some heavy bombing campaigns

in the next two nights. In answer to your question, too many.

:(