U.S.: 22 Pct. More Attacks in Ramadan (AP)

[Eugene]

U.S.: 22 Pct. More Attacks in Ramadan


Thursday October 19, 2006 2:46 PM

AP Photo BAG101

By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN

Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The U.S. military spokesman says there has been a 22 percent
jump in attacks during Ramadan and the drive to secure Baghdad has "not met our
overall expectations."

The spike in violence during the Islamic holy month of fasting was "disheartening"
and the Americans were working with Iraqi authorities to "refocus" security measures,
Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell said.

"In Baghdad, Operation Together Forward has made a difference in the focus areas
but has not met our overall expectations in sustaining a reduction in the level
of violence," Caldwell said at a weekly news briefing.

-snip-

The U.S. military, meanwhile, announced that an American soldier had been killed
in combat Wednesday in Anbar province, the insurgent stronghold west of the capital.
It was the 71st death of an American service member in October, putting it on course
to be the bloodiest month for U.S. forces in nearly two years.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6157757,00.html

[sabra]

1. "not met our overall expectations."

but Cheney says we are winning?