US-Iraqi forces launch massive new assault on al Qaeda -“Task Force Iron” - in four northern provinces

Three US brigade combat teams and three Iraqi army divisions are taking part in the offensive, which was launched Monday, Nov. 5, to trap al Qaeda in new areas after they were driven out of former strongholds in Anbar and Diyala provinces and reduced in Baghdad.Coalition forces in Iraq deny an Iraqi government spokesman claim that the body of a kidnapped US soldier was found north of Hila and four suspects arrested. A large insurgent ambush south of Baghdad on May 12 resulted in the deaths of four US troops on patrol and an Iraqi translator and the abduction of three soldiers. The body of one was found 10 days later, while two were listed as missing against a $200,000 reward for information.

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