Operation Vigilant Resolve > United States Marine Corps Flagship > News Display
Written by Black Hot Fire Network on April 4, 2023
ARLINGTON, Va. --
On March 31, 2004, armed insurgents ambushed and killed four American civilian security contractors who were driving through the city of Fallujah, Iraq. Within hours of the attack, shocking 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 U.S. Army 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 not to launch an immediate offensive . . .
