Large Joint Offensive Launched In Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - American and Iraqi forces launched a major offensive Saturday near the porous Syrian border aimed at destroying al-Qaida in Iraq's ability to smuggle foreign fighters, money and equipment through the region.

The offensive in the town of Husaybah of about 2,500 U.S. forces and 1,000 Iraqis - including local forces acting as scouts - will remove insurgents from the western province of Anbar ahead of Iraq's parliamentary election on Dec. 15, the U.S. military said.

In nearby Qaim, a witness said the offensive in Husaybah began about dawn with four loud explosions, apparently caused by U.S. warplanes or helicopters. The witness said telephone service to the town was cut. He spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for his safety.

Comments

[GrannyToad]

GREAT to hear!

Now if something could be done about the eastern border with Iran as well ...

[TheAlamo]

Now if something could be done about the eastern border with Iran as well ...

Posted by: GrannyToad | Nov 5, 2005 1:14:47 PM

Oh...it's coming, but the results will not be rah-rah material.