Felluce Resistance Toughens, Musul Bombarded

Although American soldiers have reportedly gained control of most parts of Fallujah, they are suffering loses. Iraqi militias are the targets of US bombardment in Mosul. Militia cornered in the south of Fallujah by US forces are resisting strongly. American units had to call for airborne reinforcements because of militias retaliation with snipers and mortars. Despite

backup provided by the US army in Colan, fighting is continuing. Officially about 600 militias, 18 American soldiers and 34 Iraqi soldiers have been killed in the

Fallujah attacks.

Yesterday’s skirmishes have reportedly increased the death toll, with many civilian deaths also reported. The Iraqi Red Crescent said a humanitarian disaster was occurring in Fallujah and called on Iraqi government to allow the organization to deliver food, medicine and water supplies to the city. Sheikh Abdusselam Al Qubeysi said, "The government may implement pressure to end the massacre in Fallujah" and added that a week-long strike will start today.

Imams in Baghdad asked their congregations to be sober and not to celebrate the feast of Eid Al Fitr, which starts tomorrow. Religious officials called for aid for Iraqis living near Fallujah.

Elsewhere civilians were also the victims of US army airborne attacks in response to the chaos in Mosul, the third biggest city of Iraq. Fighting in Mosul broke out after the US attack in Fallujah. The governor of Mosul declared a curfew upon increasing tension. The US military spokeswoman in Mosul, Captain Angela Bowman, said, "We have target certain areas in the city which are the meeting places of terrorists," and added that they were using all the forces under their command in response the attacks. She also clarified that Iraqi National Guard and international forces were trying to provide security in the areas attacked by the insurgents adding, "Mosul is neither out of control nor in the hands of insurgents."