The Iraqi Civil Defense Company, armed with weapons seized by U.S. forces during house-to-house searches in Baghdad’s Al Shaab neighborhood on April 15, 2004, faced relentless insurgent attacks. Over 300 homes were raided as violence escalated in Fallujah, where U.S. troops encircled the holy city of Najaf. The documentary The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah, directed by Michael Pack, compiles war correspondence photos, bodycam footage, and veteran interviews to depict the conflict’s brutal reality. Unlike earlier wars, the imagery is starkly clear, capturing the intensity of combat in a landscape marked by dense cemeteries and unfamiliar terrain. The film, produced in 2004 under PBS but delayed for 17 years due to its perceived pro-military stance, ultimately emerged as a poignant anti-war narrative. Raw footage exposes the human cost of war, with soldiers enduring extreme conditions—130-degree temperatures, limited supplies, and relentless combat. Veterans describe an unwavering camaraderie, risking lives to protect comrades and returning to battle despite severe injuries. The documentary, airing on November 10, offers a sobering reflection on military engagement, coinciding with Veterans Day to honor those who served.
War Remains a Harsh Reality: A Gritty Look at the Iraq War Through Veteran Eyes
