アメリカ海兵隊さんのインスタグラム写真 - (アメリカ海兵隊Instagram)「On March 31, 2004, armed insurgents killed four American civilian security contractors who were driving through the city of Fallujah, Iraq. Within hours of the attack, images of the Americans’ desecrated bodies – burned, and hung from a bridge – were broadcast around the globe. When the horrific killings occurred, Marines were finalizing their turnover with @usarmy units in the area and had just assumed command of security operations. Marine leaders understood the severity of the attack and immediately condemned the brutal murders, but simultaneously recommended against an immediate offensive reaction. Then-Brig. Gen. John F. Kelly wrote “we must avoid the temptation to strike out in retribution.” Despite initial calls for restraint, on April 3, 2004, the combined joint task force commander issued the order for Marines to go on the offensive in Fallujah, and on the next day Operation Vigilant Resolve began. On the night of April 4, 2004, Marines launched their assault on the city, and by sunrise the following morning, Fallujah was surrounded by U.S. Marines. Throughout the next five days, Marines engaged in fierce urban combat with a level of intensity not seen since the Battle of Hue City. Although Marines successfully gained control of strategic areas within the city, cutoff insurgent withdrawal routes, and destroyed several key insurgent defensive positions, the Iraqi Governing Council grew concerned with the intensity of the urban combat happening in Fallujah. The U.S. announced it would institute a ceasefire in the city beginning at noon, April 9, 2004. Despite the ceasefire, insurgents continued to assault Marines throughout the following weeks. On May 1, 2004, then-Lt. Gen. James Conway, the @i_mef_marines commanding general, announced he was turning over all remaining operations in Fallujah to the Iraqi Fallujah Brigade, and Marines would depart the city, ending Operation Vigilant Resolve. Six months later, Marines would once again find themselves back on the streets of Fallujah, engaged in violent house-to-house fighting – Operation Phantom Fury. Click the link our bio to read the full article on our website. #USMCHistory #SemperFidelis」4月4日 23時43分