Engaging the Enemy

An Iraqi surrenders during a battle with U.S. troops near Nasiriya, Iraq.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Iraqis surrender during a battle with U.S. troops near Nasiriya, Iraq.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Iraqi troops surrender to U.S. forces during a battle that raged into its second day near Nasiriya, Iraq.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Marine Cobra helicopters attack targets firing on American troops close to Ad Nasiriya, Iraq.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Iraqis killed in battle with U.S. troops near An Nasiriya, Iraq.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Remnants of a bus that exploded in a battle between U.S. and Iraqi forces near An Nasiriya, Iraq.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

A Marine mans a Mark 19 grenade launcher in the glow of a raging fire that appeared to be a large oil storage facility near An Nasiriah.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

A Marine runs from an amphibious assault vehicle to engage the enemy after a convoy received small arms fire near An Nasiriya.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Marines sweep an area after coming under fire just after dawn near An Nasiriya.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

As dawn breaks over southern Iraq, Marines actively engage the enemy.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)