Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

Iraqi, US Troops Launch Major Offensive in Tal Afar
---------------------------------------------------

(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=EEE265:3919ACA

Government warns it is ready to go after terrorists in four other
cities





US soldier is seen running for cover while Iraqi soldiers provide
security, in Tal Afar

Iraqi forces, supported by American troops, have launched a major
offensive against insurgents in the northwestern city of Tal Afar, and
the government has warned it is ready to go after terrorists in four
other cities.

Days of clashes and U.S. airstrikes preceded the offensive, which
began early Saturday. Many of Tal Afar's ethnic Turkmen residents had
already fled ahead of the fighting.

Defense Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi said troops had killed 141
insurgents and captured nearly 200 in the city. He also warned the
residents of Ramadi, Samarra, Rawa and Qaim that their cities would be
next, saying "there will be no refuge for the terrorists, criminals
and bloodsuckers."

Meanwhile, south of Baghdad, in Iskandariya, police discovered the
bodies of 18 men, who had been handcuffed and executed.

Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

 


.