LATEST INTEL: US-UK REGROUP AFTER IRAQI COUNTERATTACKS

Tuesday March 25, 2003 05:10

by Fintan Dunne - GuluFuture.com

Based on latest translated Russian Intelligence Reports from Iraqwar.ru

GuluFuture Analysis: Focus on US-UK forces being within 60 miles of Bhagdad is entirely misleading. In fact, an assault on Bhagdad is improbable. Rather, regrouping is likely while further air operations and bombing attempt to soften up Iraqi resistance. US-UK forces now face a possible humiliating defeat on both military and political objectives

http://www.GuluFuture.com/news/iraq_report030324.htm

US-UK REGROUP
FOLLOWING IRAQI
COUNTERATTACKS

GuluFuture Analysis: Focus on US-UK forces being within 60 miles of Bhagdad is entirely misleading. In fact, an assault on Bhagdad is improbable. Rather, regrouping is likely while further air operations and bombing attempt to soften up Iraqi resistance. US-UK forces now face a possible humiliating defeat on both military and political objectives.

24th March, 2003
by Fintan Dunne, Editor
http://www.GuluFuture.com

US Held At Euphrates in An-Nasiriya
Iraqi Counterattack in Basra
Umm Qasr Bombed into the Ground
Assault on Kirkuk Expected

March 24, 2003
www.iraqwar.ru Translation

March 24, 2003, 0800hrs MSK (GMT +3), Moscow - As of morning (MSK, GMT +3) March 24 the situation in Iraq can be characterized as quiet on all fronts. Attacking coalition forces have settled into positional warfare, they are exhausted, lost the attacking momentum and are in urgent need for fuel, ammunition, repairs and reinforcements. The Iraqis are also busy regrouping their forces, reinforcing the combat units and setting up new defense lines.

Exceptionally heavy fighting continued for two days and nights near An-Nasiriya. Both warring sides employed large numbers of tanks and artillery. More than 20,000 troops of the US 3rd Motorized Infantry Division, supported by 200 tanks, 600 other armored vehicles and 150 artillery pieces, were opposed by the Iraqi 3rd Army Corps consisting of up to 40,000 troops, up to 250 tanks, more than 100 artillery, up to 100 mortars and 1000 rocket propelled grenade launchers (RPG) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). The two-day battle ended without any significant results.

The Americans have failed in trying to use their momentum in capturing An-Nasiriya and attempted to encircle the town from the west, where they encountered strong layered Iraqi defenses and forced to withdraw. The Iraqi forces used this opportunity to attack the US flanks with two brigades, breaking the US combat orders and causing panic among the US troops. The US command was forced to halt the advance of its forced toward An Najaf and once again redirect several tank battalions to support the attacked units. Nearly 6 hours was needed for the US aviation to stop the Iraqi attack and restore combat order of the US forces.

According to the intercepted radio traffic, the US forces have sustained up to 40 killed, up to 10 captured and up to 200 wounded during the fighting near An-Nasiriya. There is confirmed information about one lost attack helicopter and an unconfirmed report about a lost ground attack plane. The US forces have also lost up to 40 armored vehicles, including no less than 10 tanks. Around 2300hrs (MSK, GMT +3) March 23 a British platoon was ambushed by Iraqi Special Forces unit near Basra......

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