US launches new offensive in Iraq

US forces launched a new offensive in Iraq’s so called triangle of death today while rebels ambushed an elite police unit, killing 29 people in a massive explosion.

An insurgent group that had claimed responsibility for the December 21 suicide bombing of a US base in Mosul – in which 22 people were killed – warned Iraqis not to take part in next month’s elections.

“We also warn everyone to keep away from all military targets, whether they were bases, American Zionist patrols, or the forces of the pagan guard, and police,” Ansar al-Sunnah said.

The group is believed to be made up mainly of Sunnis, and has focused on targeting Americans and those viewed as collaborating with them and has avoided civilian targets.

The latest warning comes two days after Osama bin Laden urged Iraqis to boycott the elections and praised attacks against Americans and those who cooperate with them.

The explosion hit the staunchly Baathist neighbourhood of Ghaziliya as a contingent of special police and national guards were about to raid a house after receiving an anonymous tip. The blast killed 29 people, including seven officers.

The area is a a predominantly Sunni Muslim neighbourhood where support for Saddam Hussein has traditionally been strong.

Insurgents have intensified their strikes against the security forces of Iraq’s US-installed interim government as part of a continuing campaign to disrupt the January 30 elections for a constitutional assembly.

Brigadier General Jeffery Hammond said US troops had begun a major anti-insurgency operation south of Baghdad, focused on areas such around Mahmoudiya, 25 miles south of the capital.

US and Iraqi forces have come under repeated attacks by car bombs, rockets, and small arms fire in the area, dubbed the triangle of death. The latest operation came after a week long campaign in November and early December to root out insurgents in the area.

US commanders had hailed the November offensive to retake Fallujah as a major tactical victory, but violence elsewhere in Iraq has only escalated since the main insurgent bastion 40 miles west of Baghdad fell.

Iraq’s deputy prime minister Barham Saleh said former dictator Saddam Hussein will likely be brought to trial early next year.