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Iraq, Ramadi Attacked By Al-Zarqawi's Gunmen

US buildings are under attack in the Iraqi city of Ramadi, in the Anbar region.

400 heavily armed, masked men were had set up checkpoints at major entrance and exit points in Ramadi. It is believed that many of the insurgents in Fallujah retreated to Ramadi, 60km away from Fallujah, after last November's major offensive.

Leaflets could be found declaring that al Qaeda, led in Iraq by Jordanian fighter Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, took over the city.

Here is the text on one of the leaflets:

"Al Qaeda in Iraq is taking control of Ramadi. Its followers will burn the Americans and will drive them back to their homes by force. Iraq will be a graveyard for the Americans and its allies."

Attacks have been launched on official buildings with mortars and Russian-made Katyusha rockets.