Got these in my emails. I think they're in worldwide distribution, so I don't know to whom I should attribute these :-)
Preparations ... a US marine camped outside Fallujah, expected to be the scene of Iraq's bloodiest battle yet, writes his "zap number" on his kit bag. The number contains information on his social security number and blood type, to help with identification in case the troops are injured.
At the ready ... troops bags are packed at Fallujah, where they await the order to launch an attack on the town. One report says 300 rebels have volunteered to act as suicide bombers in a ferocious counter-attack on any coalition assault.
Games ... to ease the tension, the troops have had to find new ways of entertaining themselves, staging games over the weekend.
There was some entertainment to help the troops kill time ...
... but also work to be done. Here Marines take a briefing from their on plans for the days ahead.
God help us ... Marines from the 1st Division gathered to pray yesterday afternoon near Fallujah. An order for the assault is expected over the coming days.
Meanwhile, civilians are leaving Fallujah. These men were headed for Baghdad yesterday, their ute loaded with household appliances. The US military warning any man under 45 entering or leaving Fallujah will now be detained; they are also advising women and children to leave.
[The declared state of emergency for the next 60 days]...comes after a recent spike in violence nationwide. Even yesterday the attacks on Iraqi police continued - this car was blown up in Baghdad while in Haditha, 21 officers were rounded up and shot in the head.
US Army surgeon Tommy Brown, working in the centre of Baghdad, makes a phone call to his wife. He says he has slept for three of the past 48 hours and is preparing for the fallout from the anticipated attack on Fallujah.
Held ... Iraqi TV showed these prisoners who are alleged foreign fighters, caught coming in to help the raging insurgency. At least one, a young Palestinian, confessed on television to a plan to help the rebel groups.
Danger zone ... Major Scott Taylor of the British Army's Black Watch force leads his brigade into position in accordance with the ancient traditions of the fighting unit. They have taken up "forward positions" in the Sunni triangle to free up US troops needed at Fallujah.
In place ... Maj Taylor, his bagpiping done, takes his position at the Jurf al-Sukhr bridge.
K
Preparations ... a US marine camped outside Fallujah, expected to be the scene of Iraq's bloodiest battle yet, writes his "zap number" on his kit bag. The number contains information on his social security number and blood type, to help with identification in case the troops are injured.
At the ready ... troops bags are packed at Fallujah, where they await the order to launch an attack on the town. One report says 300 rebels have volunteered to act as suicide bombers in a ferocious counter-attack on any coalition assault.
Games ... to ease the tension, the troops have had to find new ways of entertaining themselves, staging games over the weekend.
There was some entertainment to help the troops kill time ...
... but also work to be done. Here Marines take a briefing from their on plans for the days ahead.
God help us ... Marines from the 1st Division gathered to pray yesterday afternoon near Fallujah. An order for the assault is expected over the coming days.
Meanwhile, civilians are leaving Fallujah. These men were headed for Baghdad yesterday, their ute loaded with household appliances. The US military warning any man under 45 entering or leaving Fallujah will now be detained; they are also advising women and children to leave.
[The declared state of emergency for the next 60 days]...comes after a recent spike in violence nationwide. Even yesterday the attacks on Iraqi police continued - this car was blown up in Baghdad while in Haditha, 21 officers were rounded up and shot in the head.
US Army surgeon Tommy Brown, working in the centre of Baghdad, makes a phone call to his wife. He says he has slept for three of the past 48 hours and is preparing for the fallout from the anticipated attack on Fallujah.
Held ... Iraqi TV showed these prisoners who are alleged foreign fighters, caught coming in to help the raging insurgency. At least one, a young Palestinian, confessed on television to a plan to help the rebel groups.
Danger zone ... Major Scott Taylor of the British Army's Black Watch force leads his brigade into position in accordance with the ancient traditions of the fighting unit. They have taken up "forward positions" in the Sunni triangle to free up US troops needed at Fallujah.
In place ... Maj Taylor, his bagpiping done, takes his position at the Jurf al-Sukhr bridge.
K