Let me give you some geographical context, if I can. Of course, Husaybah butts up against the Syrian border. Just southeast of there is the town of al Qaim. We've had a battalion out there for a long time now. Recently, I think it's fair to say that the commanders have evaluated that the center of resistance in the Al Anbar has moved further west since the fall of Fallujah, and now is in what we would call the Ramadi-Hit corridor, extending westward, as opposed to Ramadi-Fallujah.

About 72 hours ago, U.S. forces, the 2nd Regimental Combat Team, effected a river crossing at a place called Ukedi (ph), and they established a blocking position at a little townlet called Rommana, and put forces across the river to flush what had been reported as groupings of insurgents there. They were decisively engaged; a fairly significant battle followed. Use of close air support and combined arms have been employed. And at this point, the fight continues. There are reports that these people are in uniforms, in some cases are wearing protective vests, and there's some suspicion that their training exceeds that of what we have seen with other engagements further east.

So, at this point, the fight continues.

Question: At this -- right now it's a U.S. operation. From what we understand, there aren't Iraqis there. Does that pose a problem as far as a U.S. face being on this battle along the border, that Iraqis have been very concerned about -- (off mike)?

GEN. CONWAY: No, your assessment is correct based on my knowledge, Bret, and my observation of the task organization. I think as you know, we do have Iraqi forces based at Habbaniya that are working both the Fallujah and the Ramadi area. At this point, those operational forces have simply not extended their reach far enough west to join the U.S. forces there.

There are Iraqis operating in border forts along the borders. But in that interim area, they're simply not there yet.

And I want to offer that the fight's not finished. We saw where the Iraqis provided tremendous value to us in Fallujah. And if the fight continues, if it does involve fighting in built-up areas, that's not to say you won't see Iraqi forces involved.

Question: Can I follow up on that? Can you say whether or not you've seen any evidence of some of these foreign fighters, as you've described them, crossing back over the border? And are the Syrians in any way involved in this or in any way cooperating?

GEN. CONWAY: I don't think I used the term foreign fighters. I don't think we know that yet. Certainly it's in proximity to the border. There is a major crossing site there, Husaybah, and again, there's smugglers' routes both north and south of that location. So it's not unrealistic to expect that there could be foreign fighters engaged.

At this point, we simply don't know if the there is movement across the border associated with this, because the preponderance of our forces are engaged in this fight.

Question: Has there been any contact with the Syrians or any sort of effort to get them to help out, any --

GEN. CONWAY: From an operational perspective, I can only say that there is low-level contact that goes on, on a continuing basis. The captains and the field grade officers of that battalion have a fairly routine dialogue with the Syrians. I cannot speak to whether or not it transcends that.

Question: Assuming that this operation is successful, what do you expect the effect will be? You said that the center of the insurgency has effectively moved west. If you are able to succeed in this mission's objectives, what do you think the result will be? Will you have broken the back of the insurgency? Will --

GEN. CONWAY: No, I think it's way too early to say that. I think, as we have experienced in every fight up to this point, where we find the insurgents, we will attack them, to capture or kill if they resist.

If you look at what happened -- what has happened in the region up to this point, we have had a fairly significant Special Operations operation south of al Qaim, where we captured or killed 54. We have had two engagements in Husaybah, one the attack on Camp Gannon where they attempted to breach the perimeter with a large explosive device, the fire truck. We've had a Zarqawi sighting, and now we have this fairly significant gathering of insurgents.

So where we find them, we will fight them, to take them --

Numbers on the map correspond to the listed event. There are in chronological order as best as can be determined.

1. Sunday, early morning: The bridge crossing(s) that began the operation were supposedly slower in progress than planned. Did this give a tip-off to the enemy? Mortar fire hit the bridging sites from Ubaydi and on the south side of the Euphrates at another site.

2. Sunday morning: Insurgents were spotted driving to rural houses in the north of the area of operations in Ribat, retrieving weapons stockpiles, then driving back to the cities.

3. One squad of Lima Co, 3/25, spent the better part of Sunday clearing a particular house in Ubaydi. The enemy had hidden in the basement and fired armor-piercing bullets through the floor at the Marines. Most of the day was spent destroying them, by this one squad, reinforced with heavy machine guns, a tank, and F-18 airstrikes.

10. Tuesday night? Marines engaged a vehicle that did not stop at a checkpoint SE of Ubaydi. Two civilians were killed, but the survivors asked the Marines to please attack the city, stating that the terrorists were forcing the men to fight.

President Theodore Roosevelt once wisely noted, "Thank God for the iron in the blood of our fathers." I can say with full confidence, were it not for the iron in the blood of your husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers, our effectiveness here would be significantly diminished. Vigilance and attention to detail continue to win the day and foil the many traps the enemy attempts to place in our path. Mines and IEDs are discovered and destroyed before they cause harm to our men. Furthermore, as the result of some successful raids and the pressure put upon the enemy because of our presence, terrorists continue to be captured or killed. I am glad to say that our enemy now realizes why we're called "The Betio Bastards!"

Since the attack on Camp Gannon a few weeks ago, things remain as they once were: still dangerous, but the strong advantage remains with the Marines. India Company continues to be challenged at Camp Gannon, but strikes back with precision and effectiveness. Lima Company continues to expertly conduct their security missions around Al Asad. Kilo Company was detached from 3/2 for a short period to battle alongside another battalion in Haditha, and executed their attack fantastically. Weapons and H&S Companies had to cover the vast areas around Al Qaim, and did so with professionalism, keeping the enemy in this area at bay. I'm proud to say that all the Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers attached to Task Force 3/2 are working as a cohesive unit, overcoming any obstacles in their path, and are making significant progress in our area of operations. That being said, it's not hard to be cautiously optimistic!

The dangerous work of stopping the enemy must continue until the mission is complete, and at times we're conducting very important operations. That means it may be necessary from time to time to minimize our regular contact with you at home and I trust you can understand why. Unfortunately, our current mission means that mothers might not get a well-deserved Mother's Day call from your grateful sons. Please know that they are thinking of you and thankful for you. I'll also take this opportunity to thank you mothers for raising such fine men. May God bless each of you and fill your Mother's Day with joy. I know you must be proud of your sons.