Rebels in Western Iraq Under Siege

U.S. assault aims to clean out a border region believed to be a haven and training ground for insurgents and foreign guerrillas.

By Solomon Moore

Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

May 10, 2005

RIBAT, Iraq — The casualties mounted Monday in remote Iraqi desert villages near the Syrian border after U.S. troops launched their largest offensive since last year's invasion of Fallouja.

Insurgents have killed at least three Marines and wounded 20 American troops trying to cross the Euphrates River in western Iraq since the offensive began Sunday. Marine commanders estimate they have slain more than 100 guerrillas.

From a hilltop overlooking Ribat, a Times reporter traveling with members of the 2nd Marine Division could see insurgents driving to houses on the northern edge of the town, filling trucks with AK-47s and rocket-propelled-grenade launchers and ferrying them to the south side of the village where the battle was taking place.

to continue the story click here.