The Sounds of Peace

The News: The U.S. is pursuing a major assault in western Iraq. At least 3,500 U.S. troops are taking part in two separate offensives. Operation River Gate was launched at the start of the holy month of Ramadan. It marks the biggest U.S. offensive in western Iraq this year. Blasts from U.S. warplanes and helicopters lit up the sky during the fighting. Today, 42 Iraqis were reportedly killed .

Col. Stephen Davis, commander of Marine Regimental Combat Team 2, is warning residents in western Iraq that the U.S. will be there for a while. He told a crowd of Iraqis "We're not going anywhere... Some of you are concerned about the attack helicopters and mortar fire from the base. I will tell you this: those are the sounds of peace."

The Note:

©Barfo, 2005