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US launches major Iraq offensive US launches major Iraq offensive
(10 minutes later)
The US military in Iraq has said 10,000 US and Iraqi troops are taking part in an operation against al-Qaeda networks north of Baghdad. The US military in Iraq has said 10,000 US and Iraqi troops are taking part in an operation against al-Qaeda networks north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
The troops were said to be fighting in and around the city of Baquba in Diyala province, which is considered to be an al-Qaeda stronghold. The troops were said to be moving in and around the city of Baquba in Diyala province, which is considered to be an al-Qaeda stronghold.
The US military said 22 militants had been killed early in the offensive, called Operation Arrowhead Ripper.The US military said 22 militants had been killed early in the offensive, called Operation Arrowhead Ripper.
It said the offensive, also involving attack helicopters, was continuing. Diyala province has seen some of the worst violence in Iraq this year.
The tightening of security in and around Baghdad has resulted in militants being pushed outside the capital, correspondents say. Insurgent groups have moved there in the face of the US troop build-up in Baghdad.
The latest operation's strategy is the same as in Baghdad - clear, hold and build, according to the BBC's Andrew North in Baghdad.
US troops do the initial clearing and Iraqi forces hold areas afterwards, followed by rebuilding efforts to win people over, he says.
But the approach has met with mixed success in Baghdad so far and, as has happened so often, the insurgents respond by simply moving elsewhere, our correspondent adds.
Night-time assault
The operation, which is continuing, began overnight with troops being brought in by helicopter.
Tanks have also been used on the ground, with Apache helicopter gunships providing air cover.
"Task Force Lightning commenced Operation Arrowhead Ripper today in a large-scale effort to eliminate al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating in Baquba and its surrounding areas," the military said."Task Force Lightning commenced Operation Arrowhead Ripper today in a large-scale effort to eliminate al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating in Baquba and its surrounding areas," the military said.
"Approximately 10,000 soldiers, with a full complement of attack helicopters, close air support, Strykers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, are taking part in Arrowhead Ripper, which is still in its opening stages." "The end state is to destroy the al-Qaeda influences in this province and eliminate their threat against the people," said US commander Brig Gen Mick Bednarek.
The operation was aimed at helping local Iraqi ministries to provide basic services, which "will build trust and confidence of the people not only in the provincial government, but in the central government as well", he added.