U.S., Iraq forces kill 90 in offensives; 'We are enveloping the enemy into a kill sack'

Above: A soldier with 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division patrols in Baqubah during 'Operation Arrowhead Ripper' this week.

U.S. soldiers have been tightening their cordon around al Qaeda fighters holed up in Baquba, advancing carefully through streets lined with roadside bombs and booby-trapped houses.

"We are enveloping the enemy into a kill sack," said Command Sergeant Major Jeff Huggins from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade...

"I believe the initial stage of the operation will be completed in another three to five days," Townsend said at a building that serves as a joint command centre for U.S. and Iraqi forces.

It was unclear what would happen in the next stage, but the overall offensive around Baquba is expected to last many weeks.

Read the rest at Reuters/Alternet

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