knowing all along that claims of "pacifying" Samarra were false. But the declaration of victory, issued with great fanfare a few weeks ago probably served its intended purpose: to add another item to the "mission accomplished" list of fantasies. This is how the talking point factory works - an action is taken, a statement is made to spin it - partisans, both media pros and deluded amateurs relentlessly spread the word. The media space moves on and so does nearly everyone else. It's easy to miss contraindications.]
Clashes in Iraq's Samarra Kill at Least Six
SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - At least six civilians were killed and 11 U.S. soldiers wounded in clashes in Samarra Wednesday, a northern Iraqi town the U.S. military said it had pacified following an offensive earlier this month.
Two car bombs killed a child and also wounded a civilian translator in the center of the town, the U.S. military said. Hospital officials said six civilians had been killed and 17 wounded in several clashes.
Residents said U.S. troops in vehicles with loudspeakers told Samarra residents to stay off the streets between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Witnesses said clashes that began in the afternoon were continuing at night on the edges of the city and the nearby town of Duluiya.
The interim Iraqi government, backed by U.S. troops, has vowed to take control of rebel-held areas of Iraq before elections scheduled for January.
They had expressed hope that the Samarra offensive would help secure other towns and cities.
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