U.S. Department of Defense: Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended - 2003-04-15

A U.S. Department of Defense official stated that he believes major combat operations in Iraq have ended. However, in this regard, General Stanley McChrystal mentioned that American soldiers are likely to still face small but serious resistance. General McChrystal made these remarks as American forces encountered minimal resistance from Iraqi soldiers during their attack on Saddam Hussein's hometown, which is now under American control. U.S. military officials claim that all oil-rich areas of Iraq are under coalition control. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell stated that due to Syria's behavior during the war against Iraq, the U.S. is considering implementing diplomatic and economic sanctions against Syria. Despite multiple denials from Syria, Washington insists that Damascus is harboring officials from the former Iraqi regime and also possesses chemical weapons. Mr. Powell also added that a pre-scheduled meeting on Tuesday with members of the interim Iraqi government, which is considered the beginning of a series of future meetings, is a good start. Mr. Powell expressed concern that opposition groups were not invited to participate in the Nasiriyah meeting, stating that establishing a government in Iraq requires a modest beginning.