US forces on Thursday launched what was termed the largest air attack since the U.S.-led invasion, targeting "insurgent" strongholds north of the capital, the military said.
It added Iraqi troops were also involved in the operation aimed at clearing a "suspected insurgent operating area northeast of Samarra." "More than 1,500 Iraqi and Coalition troops, over 200 tactical vehicles, and more than 50 aircraft participated in the operation," the military statement said, according to the AP.
The military said the operation was expected to continue for several days in Salahuddin province.
