US and Iraqi forces launch major offensive

Heavy gunfire and explosions rocked Samarra today after US and Iraqi forces launched a major assault to regain control of the insurgent stronghold north of the capital.

Hospital officials said at least 21 people were killed and 35 injured.

Troops of the 1st Infantry Division, Iraqi National Guard and Iraqi Army moved into Samarra overnight, securing government and police buildings in the city, the US command said in a statement.

The assault came in response to “repeated and unprovoked attacks by anti-Iraqi forces” against Iraqi and coalition forces, the statement said. Its aim was to “facilitate orderly government processes, kill or capture anti-Iraqi forces, and set the conditions to proceed with infrastructure and quality of life improvements” in the city, about 60 miles north of Baghdad.

“Unimpeded access throughout the city for Iraqi security forces and multinational forces is non-negotiable,” the statement said.