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U.S. planes unleash huge assault on Iraq rebels
By Assocaited Press
Published January 11, 2008
ZAMBARANIYAH, Iraq - U.S. warplanes unleashed one of the most intense airstrikes of the Iraq war Thursday, dropping 40,000 pounds of explosives in a thunderous 10-minute onslaught on suspected al-Qaida in Iraq safe havens in Sunni farmlands south of Baghdad. The mighty barrage - recalling the Pentagon's "shock and awe" raids during the 2003 invasion - appeared to mark a significant escalation in a countrywide offensive launched this week to try to cripple remaining insurgent strongholds. It also fits into the endgame strategy of last year's U.S. troop buildup, which seeks to regain control of Baghdad and surrounding areas as a buffer zone for the capital. U.S. commanders are attempting to subdue the last insurgent footholds around Baghdad before the Pentagon faces a possible troop reduction. At least nine U.S. soldiers have been killed since the offensive began Tuesday, the deadliest days for American forces since last fall. Anbar handover: Western Anbar province will be returned to Iraqi control in March, Marine Maj. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin, commander of the roughly 35,000 Marine and Army forces in Anbar, said Thursday.
[Last modified January 11, 2008, 01:52:39]
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