Iraqi government forces are reported to have carried out strikes in the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, as the fight against Al-Qaeda linked militants continues in Anbar Province.
The Reuters news agency reported government air strikes and artillery fire on targets in Fallujah on January 26.
RFE/RL’s Radio Free Iraq reported artillery and aerial bombardment targeting gunmen in Ramadi.
The strikes come amid continuing speculation that government forces could soon launch a broad offensive aimed at ousting the insurgents.
The government has so far refrained from mounting an offensive to give community leaders and Sunni tribes a chance to persuade the gunmen to withdraw.
Since breaking out around the new year, the conflict in Anbar has resulted in hundreds of casualties and forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The Reuters news agency reported government air strikes and artillery fire on targets in Fallujah on January 26.
RFE/RL’s Radio Free Iraq reported artillery and aerial bombardment targeting gunmen in Ramadi.
The strikes come amid continuing speculation that government forces could soon launch a broad offensive aimed at ousting the insurgents.
The government has so far refrained from mounting an offensive to give community leaders and Sunni tribes a chance to persuade the gunmen to withdraw.
Since breaking out around the new year, the conflict in Anbar has resulted in hundreds of casualties and forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes.
