Latest update from the U.S. Central Command:
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) launched an assault Nov. 8 against terrorists and foreign fighters in an operation dubbed "Al Fajr," the Iraqi word for dawn.
The combined force is committed to restoring security and the rule of law in Fallujah and removing the threat of terrorism from the area, said Gen. George Casey, commander of Multi-National Forces-Iraq.
"The Iraqi people are fighting to throw off the mantle of terror and intimidation so that they can elect their own government and get on with building a better life for all Iraqis," Casey told reporters Nov. 8. "The elimination of Fallujah as a terrorist safe haven will go a long way toward those goals."
Multi-National Forces are hitting anti-Iraqi forces where they show themselves, using artillery and aircraft to hit terrorist positions in the city. In many recent strikes, secondary explosions are noted. This often signifies that ammunition or explosives were at the site that was struck.
At the direction of the Interim Iraqi Government, combined Iraqi Security Forces and MNF forces over the weekend isolated Fallujah and are controlling movement in and out of the city.
The combined forces also moved to occupy key locations to the south and west of Fallujah, supported by MNF ground forces, armor, artillery, close air support and air strikes.
Iraq’s 36th Commando Battalion successfully secured the Fallujah General Hospital on Nov. 7, freeing it from terrorist control and ensuring its availability to provide medical care for the Iraqi people.
In concert with operations in Fallujah, the MNF-I today is also conducting additional simultaneous missions throughout the country that show strong resolve against elements who attack the Iraqi government, the Iraqi people, and the MNF-I.
Although the worldwide media focus is on Fallujah operations, MNF-I continues to conduct stability and security operations throughout Iraq.
In the last 24 hours, the MNF-I conducted more than 1,700 patrols and missions, including searches of sensitive areas, locating and removing weapons caches, finding and destroying improvised explosive devices, and countering mortar and rocket attacks. More than 185 missions were conducted jointly with Iraqi Security Forces.
Operations are being conducted in support of and in full partnership with the Iraqi government. Multi-National Forces also continue to conduct humanitarian and civil military operations to improve infrastructure in many cities and regions.
Multi-National Forces will also continue precise intelligence-based raids to kill or capture high-value insurgents, and to attack non-compliant forces.
In Baghdad, MNF-I continue offensive operations to contact and deny insurgents safe-haven, mortar positions and rocket operations in key areas.
Lastly, Iraqi government and MNF-I sponsored reconstruction work began in the northern part of Thawra, where more than 8,000 people went back to work Nov. 6.
