Samarra offensive: Trip Down Memory Lane?

After a google search: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=Iraq+offensive+Samarra&btnG=Search

http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/101204B.shtml
Major Assaults on Hold Until After U.S. Vote
By Mark Mazzetti
The Los Angeles Times

Monday 11 October 2004

Attacks on Iraq's rebel-held cities will be delayed, officials say. But that could make it harder to allow wider, and more legitimate, Iraqi voting in January.
Washington The Bush administration plans to delay major assaults on rebel-held cities in Iraq until after U.S. elections in November, say administration officials, mindful that large-scale military offensives could affect the U.S. presidential race.

Although American commanders in Iraq have been buoyed by recent successes in insurgent-held towns such as Samarra and Tall Afar, administration and Pentagon officials say they will not try to retake cities such as Fallouja and Ramadi - where the insurgents' grip is strongest and U.S. military casualties could be the highest - until after Americans vote in what is likely to be an extremely close election.

"When this election's over, you'll see us move very vigorously," said one senior administration official involved in strategic planning, speaking on condition of anonymity.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3705890.stm

'Scores die' in Samarra assault


US and Iraqi troops returned to Samarra earlier this month
US and Iraqi forces have carried out a major offensive in the northern Iraqi town of Samarra to try to retake control from insurgents.
US troops say around 109 militants were killed, but doctors at the main hospital spoke of 80 dead and more than 100 hurt, among them civilians.

An Iraqi minister said 37 insurgents had been captured in the assault.


and this one from December 2004: http://www.1id.army.mil/1id/News/December/Article_66/Article_66.htm

SAMARRA, Iraq – Until two months ago, this moribund city was being held hostage by insurgents. But 1st Infantry Division and Iraqi National Guard troops forced out the rebels.

Now, Samarra, a once-thriving holy city of some 200,000 people, is in the early stages of a massive facelift. Thus far, Coalition Forces have spent millions of dollars repairing the infrastructure. Millions more will be spent on other major projects in the coming months in hopes of making Samarra a hub for tourism in the future, one officials said optimistically.

....
Despite the progress, security is still an issue. Insurgents continuously attempt to re-enter the city and frequently launch attacks against American and Iraqi forces in an attempt to impede the rebuilding process.

As a result, security is at its highest level in the Samarra. There are checkpoints at the various entrances of the city. The Soldiers search cars and drivers before allowing people to enter the city, and a curfew is in place.


I need to run out for a bit but will be back shortly.