.IRAQ: Restrained Ramadi offensive suggests US charm
RAMADI, 4 July (IRIN) - Hundreds of families returned to the city of Ramadi, some 110km west of the capital, Baghdad, two weeks after the US military launched an unusually restrained offensive there.
"Residents began returning to Ramadi after being informed by those who had remained behind that US troops were not targeting civilians," said Ahmed Barak, a spokesperson for the Iraqi Aid Association (IAA).
On 19 June, thousands of US and Iraqi troops descended on Ramadi in the restive western Anbar governorate with the ostensible aim of restoring stability. Insurgents had reportedly been in control of much of the densely populated city, in which street battles remain common.
While there were no instances of substantial property destruction, some shops and buildings were reportedly damaged during clashes between US-led forces and insurgents. According to the Iraqi Ministry of Defence, some 70 suspected insurgents were arrested over the course of the operation.
According to Barak, while about 1,500 families fled Ramadi in advance of the attack, more than 1,000 families have since returned. "Returnees received some assistance while they were displaced, but this was only for a short period," said Barak. "And those that have returned say they're being well-treated by the US and Iraqi militaries in Ramadi."
Local doctors, meanwhile, say there were no civilian causalities during the course of the offensive, while residents say that US and Iraqi troops – unlike in previous episodes – behaved respectfully. "We didn't flee our home because US troops didn't tell us to leave," said Ramadi resident Muhammad Gazi, 55. "They knocked at our door and politely asked permission to enter – we were absolutely astonished."
US military sources say that this approach is part of a strategy of adopting more culturally sensitive tactics when dealing with local populations. As part of the new charm offensive, US marines have also begun repairing some of Ramadi's water-purification and power plants. "For the first time, US troops have started getting the Iraqi people on their side," said Barak. "Locals are generally afraid of them, but a kind word can do a lot to end violence."
Residents, meanwhile, hope that the restraint shown by the US military will become the rule rather than the exception. "I hope the methods used by the US military in the Ramadi offensive will also be employed in other parts of Iraq," said Fuad Rabia'a, a Ramadi shopkeeper who recently returned to work, "and that courtesy and goodwill will become characteristics of US troops so that fewer civilians will die."
Reuters
"Residents began returning to Ramadi after being informed by those who had remained behind that US troops were not targeting civilians," said Ahmed Barak, a spokesperson for the Iraqi Aid Association (IAA).
On 19 June, thousands of US and Iraqi troops descended on Ramadi in the restive western Anbar governorate with the ostensible aim of restoring stability. Insurgents had reportedly been in control of much of the densely populated city, in which street battles remain common.
While there were no instances of substantial property destruction, some shops and buildings were reportedly damaged during clashes between US-led forces and insurgents. According to the Iraqi Ministry of Defence, some 70 suspected insurgents were arrested over the course of the operation.
According to Barak, while about 1,500 families fled Ramadi in advance of the attack, more than 1,000 families have since returned. "Returnees received some assistance while they were displaced, but this was only for a short period," said Barak. "And those that have returned say they're being well-treated by the US and Iraqi militaries in Ramadi."
Local doctors, meanwhile, say there were no civilian causalities during the course of the offensive, while residents say that US and Iraqi troops – unlike in previous episodes – behaved respectfully. "We didn't flee our home because US troops didn't tell us to leave," said Ramadi resident Muhammad Gazi, 55. "They knocked at our door and politely asked permission to enter – we were absolutely astonished."
US military sources say that this approach is part of a strategy of adopting more culturally sensitive tactics when dealing with local populations. As part of the new charm offensive, US marines have also begun repairing some of Ramadi's water-purification and power plants. "For the first time, US troops have started getting the Iraqi people on their side," said Barak. "Locals are generally afraid of them, but a kind word can do a lot to end violence."
Residents, meanwhile, hope that the restraint shown by the US military will become the rule rather than the exception. "I hope the methods used by the US military in the Ramadi offensive will also be employed in other parts of Iraq," said Fuad Rabia'a, a Ramadi shopkeeper who recently returned to work, "and that courtesy and goodwill will become characteristics of US troops so that fewer civilians will die."
Reuters
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