U.S. Troops Launch Offensive in Iraq

"BAGHDAD, Oct. 1 -- About 1,000 U.S. troops stormed through the western Iraqi town of Sadah near the Syrian border early Saturday morning, battling foreign fighters loyal to al Qaeda, the military said in a statement.

A joint force of Marines, soldiers and sailors took part in the assault, which the military dubbed "Operation Kabda Bil Hadid, " or Iron Fist. The operation aimed to "root out al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating in the area and to disrupt terrorist support systems in and around the city," according to the military.

No civilian or military casualties were immediately reported in the offensive, according to news agency reports. The U.S. strike comes two weeks before a referendum on a new constitution for the country."
WaPo