An attack on a US base north of Baghdad

A frontal attack. This is pretty unusual.

Insurgents launched an attack on a U.S. combat post on Monday, sending in a suicide bomber and clashing with American troops, the military and residents said. Two U.S. soldiers were killed and 17 wounded, the military said.

Is this a specific response to something local? A response to the current Baghdad plan? A new tactic?

More: From the NYTimes,

Shortly before dawn, two suicide bombers drove cars filled with explosives into the outer perimeter of the outpost. As American soldiers tried to assess the damage and help the wounded, a third bomber drove his car into the building.

There was a heavy exchange of gunfire after the explosions and as the firefight raged, at least four American helicopters swept into Tarmyia to evacuate the wounded soldiers.

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