US captures 'Iraqi general'

[thedrifter]

US captures 'Iraqi general'


By Andrew North
BBC correspondent in southern Iraq


US Marines say they have captured an Iraqi army general in Nasiriya, in southern Iraq.
Sporadic fighting continues in and around the town, although not as severe as in recent days.

US aircraft and artillery are continuing to attack targets in Nasiriya.

The man the US says is a general was captured on Thursday as US Marines stepped up their offensive against Iraqi units.

According to Marine officers with Task Force Tarawa, he was found at his home.

Documents and a large safe have been taken away for examination.

More than 300 Iraqis have been taken prisoner since the fighting started almost a week ago.

The level of Iraqi resistance has subsided.

Overnight, several rocket-propelled grenades were fired at US forces and helicopters have received occasional anti-aircraft fire.

But there has been nothing on the scale of previous Iraqi attacks.

And the Marines have kept up pressure, with intermittent air strikes in the early hours and bursts of artillery are still being directed at the town.

None the less, the fighting has taken its toll on the Marines.

Many admit the guerrilla-style attacks have worn them down and it looks likely they will have to maintain a heavy presence here for some time to come.

Reporters with the US and British military are restricted in what they can say about precise locations or military plans.




Sempers,

Roger