US forces launch fresh operation in Iraq's Anbar

BAGHDAD, July 17 (Reuters) Nine thousand US and Iraqi troops have launched a fresh operation targeting militants in the Sunni Arab province of Anbar, the US military said today.

It said the offensive began on Sunday.

Violence in Anbar has ebbed after local Sunni Arab tribes joined together and turned against Sunni Islamist al Qaeda, which had a strong foothold in the vast western region.

That forced a number of al Qaeda in Iraq militants to move to other provinces, especially north of Baghdad. But some officials have warned al Qaeda would fight back.

''We anticipate that the terrorists will attempt to step up their attacks in the urban areas to regain power and influence over the population'' said Colonel Stacy Clardy, commander of US Marine Regimental Combat Team Two.

REUTERS SKB RN1855