U.S. launches air assault on Sunni haven (US troops go door to door)

The air assault came after troops set fire Sunday to shoulder-high reeds to clear their view before a final push in Diyala province, a region they say has become a haven and training ground for Al Qaeda in Iraq and other militant groups.

U.S. troops said they killed 21 armed men Sunday. At least four Iraqi soldiers were killed and 27 wounded in antitank mine blasts.

About 1,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops are participating in the assault, which includes attack helicopters, tanks and Humvees.

Over the last four days, columns of troops have pushed through hamlets populated by wheat farmers and sheep herders to clear an area that is riddled with spider holes, tunnels and weapons caches.

One stash uncovered Sunday contained 1,169 Katyusha rockets, small arms and ammunition, the U.S. military said.

All men of military age have been questioned and tested for explosives residue. But in most homes, troops have found only women and children.


Full story here:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-diyala8jan08,1,3700337,print.story?coll=la-headlines-world&ctrack=1&cset=true

Quelle surprise.

1,169 Katyusha rockets??? That sounds like Baathists, not al-qaeda!!! Don't these lying bastards EVER give up?