This battalion lost 17 soldiers since it arrived in Iraq in October - 9 of them in the last 11 days

BAQOUBA, Iraq: Sunni insurgents have been streaming out of Baghdad to escape the security crackdown, carrying the fight to neighboring Diyala province where direct fire attacks on Americans have nearly doubled since last summer, U.S. soldiers say.

Lt. Col. Morris Goins, 41, a battalion commander, said the surge in attacks was also a result of more aggressive combat operations by the Americans . . .

"Part of it is this influx, and part of it is the nature of our operations — we're more aggressive. The more you're out there, the more contact you have," said Goins, whose battalion is responsible for security in the provincial capital of Baqouba.

"You've got more than 20,000 more American troops piling into Baghdad, so these insurgents are going to go somewhere," Goins said. His battalion has lost 17 soldiers since it arrived in Iraq in October.

Nine of those soldiers were killed in the past 11 days.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/16/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Tough-Fight.php

"Part of it is this influx, and part of it is the nature of our operations ....... " Lt. Col. Morris Goins

What a waste! We can and will win every battle but we will lose the war .... it is a done deal.
Sooner go later we have to go home.

They died for your stupidity freedom.

How many more must?

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders hold flags over the hearse before the funeral for U.S. Army Sgt. James Regan, in Manhasset, New York, February 16, 2007, who was killed by a roadside bomb with serving with the 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Baqubah, Iraq.