Mosul is one of several Iraqi cities in the north-western Sunni area of Iraq which have witnessed severe clashes between insurgents and American and Iraqi forces, in the last week. Gunmen overran police stations, bridges and political offices in the city. The Mosul police chief was fired after it appeared some of the city's police force failed to oppose the insurgents.
There have also been clashes in Baqouba, Buhriz, Suwayrah and Ramadi. At least five car bombs targeted American troops, Monday. In Buhriz, gunmen kidnapped the city's police chief and shot him dead when local police officers refused to surrender their station. One American soldier was killed and another wounded, Tuesday, when insurgents attacked their convoy in central Iraq.
The violence across Iraq, in the last week, is apparently in response to the assault on
The Iraqi Red Crescent estimates at least 150 families are inside Fallujah and are in need of food and medical supplies. A Red Crescent convoy attempting to enter the city was turned away by U.S. forces. A statement from Interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's office says it is clear there are very few civilians in Fallujah and denies they are suffering from any shortages.