Samarra, an ancient city of gold-domed mosques that once served as the capital of a Muslim empire extending from Spain to India, was recaptured from Sunni Muslim insurgents last September and was touted as a model for restoring government control to other areas formerly under guerrilla domination.

US and Iraqi forces hope to use the same techniques if they drive Sunni militants from Fallujah. American commanders have assembled a force of Marines, Army soldiers, and U.S.-trained Iraqi fighters around Fallujah, a major insurgent base 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Baghdad.

They are awaiting orders from interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi to launch an all-out assault.

Col. Gary Brandl voiced his troops� determination:

"The enemy has got a face. He�s called Satan. He�s in Fallujah and we�re going to destroy him."