Marines Adhere to Fragile Ceasefire in Fallujah, Iraq

U.S. Marines have engaged in a new battle with insurgents in the city of Fallujah, Iraq. The latest sounds of gunfire and explosions were heard around 10:30 local time, with video footage showing columns of smoke against a backdrop of buildings. An American military official stated that the Marines are adhering to a fragile ceasefire in Fallujah. General Mark Kimmitt told reporters in Baghdad on Wednesday that despite the renewed fighting between insurgents and coalition soldiers, commanders still believe a political solution exists to resolve the confrontation and will only respond when attacked. General Kimmitt mentioned that the Marines continue to battle scattered insurgent cells in parts of Fallujah. Video footage from Fallujah shows black smoke rising over some areas, as well as American tanks, attack helicopters, and fighter planes attacking targets in the city and exchanging fire with insurgents. Meanwhile, to the south, American soldiers established their first checkpoint in the outskirts of Najaf. Coalition forces are engaged in a confrontation with Muqtada al-Sadr, the radical Shia cleric, and his militia. In another part of Iraq, the U.S. Army reported that two more American soldiers were killed, and Ukrainian officials reported that one of their soldiers died and two were injured near the city of Kut.