The Command Post
Iraq
March 31, 2003
A Gruesome Scene on Highway 9

Related to:US is losing public relations war in Iraq, Australian experts warn
NEAR KARBALA, Iraq, March 31 -- As an unidentified four-wheel drive vehicle came barreling toward an intersection held by troops of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, Capt. Ronny Johnson grew increasingly alarmed. From his position at the intersection, he was heard radioing to one of his forward platoons of M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to alert it to what he described as a potential threat.

"Fire a warning shot," he ordered as the vehicle kept coming. Then, with increasing urgency, he told the platoon to shoot a 7.62mm machine-gun round into its radiator. "Stop [messing] around!" Johnson yelled into the company radio network when he still saw no action being taken. Finally, he shouted at the top of his voice, "Stop him, Red 1, stop him!"

That order was immediately followed by the loud reports of 25mm cannon fire from one or more of the platoon's Bradleys. About half a dozen shots were heard in all.

Full Story Wapo (thanks Toby)

Posted By Sean at March 31, 2003 11:26 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Glad to be of help, Sean.

Posted by: Toby at March 31, 2003 11:31 PM

Has anyone considered the possibility that these civilians were paid as a 'suicide squad' - not to explode, but to explode public opinion against our forces?

If Saddam can find people willing to explode for him, it shouldn't be too hard to find folks to chance running a Coalition checkpoint. Your chances of survivingthe checkpoint are much better - and several DID survive.

It's at least a possibility.

Orion

Posted by: Orion at March 31, 2003 11:56 PM

I feel sorry for the victims, and for the troopers who were out there doing their jobs.

Posted by: Tenpin at April 1, 2003 12:31 AM
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