The assault on Fallujah has started. Geez, it certainly took them long enough. It’s interesting to note that three Iraqi battalions are taking part in the attack. Not all Iraqis are opposed to the US presence there, even though it may seem that way sometimes.

Here’s a couple of stories that piqued my interest, although this is just the tip of the iceberg. The news is going to be coming in thick and fast over the next few days.

James Dunnigan talks tactics:

What kind of fighting will occur in Fallujah? It will be a game of wits, as well as weapons. The most professional and experienced anti-government gunmen are in Fallujah, and they have developed many countermeasures for the coalition advantages. A major disadvantage is the coalition control of the air, and the constant presence of UAVs, aircraft or helicopters. Too many gunmen have seen their buddies ambushed, or jumped by unexpected coalition troops, to ignore the possibility of a UAV above sending live video of the battlefield to coalition commanders. So the gunmen try to set up movement routes that cannot be seen from the air. Rugs or sheets are spread across alleys to make this possible, and sometimes even short tunnels are dug. The downside of this is that movement is inhibited. In fact, American troops do not always have a vidcam equipped UAV over the battlefield. But Department of Defense public affairs people like to distribute videos of such operations. The implication that American troops can “see everything” is meant to intimidate the enemy. It does, and slows down enemy movements, often fatally so.

The Adventures of Chester discusses the issue of civilians casualties:

Fallujah pop is 300,000. All but 50,000 have left. We have offered every opportunity for non-combatants to leave. We’ve used every means of media, and have dropped leaflets, used speakers, etc. We’ve completely telegraphed our moves to save civilian lives.

What to make of the 50,000 still remaining? Certainly a handful didn’t buy it, some just have poor judgment, and some are concerned about protecting their property. Many are possibly families of insurgents (though not the foreign elements)…

We’ve done everything possible to avoid the loss of innocent life. The question to ask is: How innocent are the lives that remain in the city.

And finally, Mudville Gazette reminds us to take everything we hear with a pinch of salt:

Expect everything you read everywhere about Fallujah for the next few days to be wrong. It’s certainly not true – some things will inevitably (and inevitably accidentally) be right – but start with that basic premise of wrong and you’ll have a good understanding of the very fluid situation there. (Spare me the links to web sites of experts – I’ve seen them. Thanks.)

Stay tuned.