Key Insurgents May Have Already Fled Fallujah

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 -- -- Although U.S. troops have punched into the center of the Iraqi city of Fallujah, they might later encounter many more insurgents who have escaped, perhaps to fight another day in another place.

"I personally believe that some of the senior leaders probably have fled," said Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz, the multinational ground force commander in Iraq.

Senior military leaders also said today that despite the fierce battles in the city, the fight will be over in a matter of days.

"They [insurgents] seem to be fighting in very small groups, without much coherence to the defense after that initial attack we made," Metz said.

According to Metz, Iraqi insurgents have suffered significant losses, greater than the U.S. military anticipated. He also said there have been very few civilian casualties.

"We felt going in that at least half, if not 75 percent, of citizens had left Fallujah," Metz said. "We have seen very, very few civilians on the streets in Fallujah."

Part of the reason the battle could end soon is that many of the insurgents may have left the city before it even began, including, said Metz, the men in charge.