Task: Text Simplification
Input (English): in august 2003 , the san diego union tribune alleged that u.s. marine pilots and their commanders confirmed the use of mark 77 firebombs on iraqi republican guards during the initial stages of combat.
Output (English): in august 2003 , the san diego union tribune said that u.s. pilots and commanders used mark 77 firebombs on iraqi republican guards during the start of combat.