NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 |
May 27, 2003
Release Number: 03-05-101
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATED REPORT ON ATTACK AT AL FALLUJAH
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- An updated report confirmed that another soldier was killed and two more injured following the attack on a U.S. Army unit in Al Fallujah early this morning.
An initial report indicated only one soldier was killed and seven others wounded. This brings the total to two soldiers killed and nine wounded.
The attack began when a hostile force of unknown size attacked a U.S. Army unit in Al Fallujah earlier this morning with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.
U.S. Army soldiers responded decisively with concentrated fire from Bradley Fighting Vehicles, crew-served weapons and small arms. They killed two attackers and captured six others.
Initial reports indicate the attackers fired from a mosque in the city.
The wounded soldiers were evacuated by both ground and air to military aid stations in the area.
A U.S. Army medical evacuation helicopter was damaged during the fight when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle inadvertently struck it while maneuvering into a firing position.
The units and identities of the soldiers are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.
The use of a religious site, such as a mosque or church, as cover for military purposes is a violation of the Law of War. Coalition Forces strive to honor and respect the sanctity of religious places and locations like an Islamic Mosque. A fighting force, however, has an inherent right to defend itself from an attack. Coalition Forces will always defend themselves in a manner that minimizes harm to innocent life, protected sites and civilian property.
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