Like a python:

Iraqi special forces and elements of the I Marine Expeditionary Force formed a dynamic cordon around the city, on the morning of Oct. 15, by establishing vehicle control points to disrupt freedom of movement by fleeing anti-Iraqi forces.

The increased security operations opened Oct. 14 with air-delivered, precision strikes on numerous high-value targets to include buildings and armed control points, and an intense artillery bombardment on known insurgent strongholds followed by the ground combat element advance on objectives outside the city.

The increased security operations enhance security and stability in the Fallujah area by disrupting the capabilities of the anti-Iraqi forces.

In past weeks I've wondered aloud what losses might be inflicted in a thorough offensive not only to the terrorists inside Iraq but, depending on the number and sophistication drawn into Fallujah and surrounding areas, terrorists from throughout the entire region. If the "flypaper theory" is in operation, could it in fact be on the verge of permanently weakening the field capability of Islamofascism?

ELSEWHERE: Iraq's infrastructure expands.