Base hit by daily attacks told no GIs available for patrols

[Barrett808]

Base hit by daily attacks told no GIs available for patrols
By Tom Bowman Tribune Newspapers: Baltimore Sun

This sprawling supply base on a dusty stretch about 50 miles northwest of Baghdad is officially known as a "logistical support area." Some of the thousands of soldiers and contractors who endure daily mortar and rocket attacks have another name for it: Mortaritaville.

At least six soldiers and contractors have been killed and nearly 100 wounded here since April. There have been about two attacks daily since July. Three weeks ago, a young airman lost his legs and his right hand when a mortar shell slammed into the base.

Officers here say Anaconda, the largest support base in the country with 22,500 U.S. troops and 2,500 contractors spread over 15 square miles, is also the most frequently attacked. But there is no indication the soldiers will get help.

Brig. Gen. Oscar Hilman, commander of the 81st Brigade Combat Team, an Army National Guard unit from Washington state whose mission is to operate the base, has asked for 500 to 700 more soldiers to provide more patrols. But he said his requests were denied.

"We asked twice," Hilman said. He said he was told "there are no additional forces" and that U.S. soldiers are needed elsewhere.

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