Iraqi security forces and Marines from the I Marine Expeditionary Force launched security operations in Fallujah to stabilize the city. Troops have established vehicle checkpoints and conducted searches to dirupt any terrorists. Multi-national forces stepped up operations on October 17, 2004 to hinder enemy forces' capability, coordination and ability to execute attacks.

The city has been the target of numerous airstrikes by precision guided missiles destorying suspected hideouts of insurgents. Fallujah is also the suspected hiding place of Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi. The fresh offensive comes after interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi warned Fallujah that it must hand over al-Zarqawi and his followers or face a major military operation to run them out.