The November, 2004 battle to clear the anti-government gangs out of Fallujah left 53 American troops dead and 450 wounded. In addition, eight Iraqi troops were killed and 43 wounded. Normally, this number would not be a problem for the coalition hospital facilities in Iraq. American wounded are usually shipped off to other hospitals in Germany or the United States for further treatment, or recovery (for those who will soon be returning to duty.) Others, lightly wounded,  are released to their units, to finish healing while on "light duty" status. But the Iraqi wounded could not be moved to Iraqi civilian hospitals. Thats because the civilian hospitals are full dealing with civilian patients. Moreover, there have been incidents of terrorists or anti-government gunmen going into civilian hospitals and killing Iraqi policemen or soldiers who are patients. So the Iraqi wounded are staying in the American military hospitals until they are well enough to return to duty, or go home to recuperate. That means that there could be a shortage of hospital beds in military hospitals if there is another major operation, and more Iraqi troops are involved.