Anti-Coalition Forces Fire on Marines from Fallujah Mosque
CJTF7 Apr 27, 2004
Camp Fallujah, Iraq - Anti-Coalition forces fired on Marines from a Fallujah mosque Monday with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.
The attack began about 9:45 a.m. when Marines reported three men shot at them from the Al-Ma'adhidy mosque in northwest Fallujah. Marines returned fire, confirming they killed one attacker.
Marines gave instructions in Arabic over loudspeakers telling anyone in the mosque to come out with their hands raised over their heads. No one withdrew.
Marines briefly entered the mosque and found it empty. Expended ammunition casings were found on the floor of the mosque's minaret.
A short time later, insurgents re-entered the mosque and again fired on Marines. Marines responded with tank fire against the minaret, silencing the attackers.
Marine helicopters also returned fire on attackers in nearby buildings.
The Marines regard these attacks as an attempt to derail initiatives to return Fallujah to Iraqi authorities and resume a peaceful existence. Marines do not target mosques; however, they retain the inherent right of self-defense when attacked.
Anti-Coalition forces have repeatedly used mosques and civilian homes from which to launch attacks on Marines. These attacks show a disregard for the safety of Iraqi civilians and a lack of respect for Islamic religious beliefs. Marines will continue to show respect for Islamic people, their culture and holy sites. Anti-Coalition forces knowingly make mosques targets by occupying them as military positions.
Marines are strongly committed to helping Iraqi authorities in Fallujah regain control of their city and will assist Iraqi police and the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps in restoring order.
Release #040427a
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