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SLUG: 2-302183 Iraq Tikrit (S)
DATE:> NOTE NUMBER: |
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DATE=4/14/2003 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=IRAQ / U-S BRIEFING / TIKRIT (S) NUMBER=2-302183 BYLINE=LARRY JAMES DATELINE=DOHA CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: U-S tanks have moved into the center of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's hometown, encountering only sporadic fighting on the way. As V-O-A's Larry James reports from Doha, U-S commanders are saying the first decisive phase of military operations is winding down. TEXT: Central Command spokesman Brigadier General Vincent Brooks says it is not yet possible to say the war is over, but a major objective is within reach. /// BROOKS ACT /// Clearly, we are at a point where decisive military operations that were focused on removing the regime, destroying its capability, removing its ability to threaten neighboring countries, our coalition forces or our own countries, that work is coming to a close. /// END ACT /// General Brooks says there were a number of operations against Tikrit before the final assault. In addition to repeated air strikes on targets in the city he said special operations forces carried out a raid on an airfield west of town two-days ago that included the use of armored vehicles. He suggested this shaping of the battlefield contributed to the success of the operation in the city. (SIGNED) NEB/LDJ/RAE |
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