[Calpernia]

Iraqi and U.S. forces began clearing-and-holding operations in the city of Karabilah, about two kilometers east of Husaybah, as Operation Steel Curtain entered its sixth day, officials said here today. The new phase of is intended to set conditions for a permanent security presence within the city. Patrols and targeted raids are also being conducted in Husaybah, where the operation was first launched Nov. 5, to root out any remaining al Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists.

Intelligence indicates some terrorists might have abandoned Husaybah once Iraqi and U.S. forces began clearing that city and fled into Karabilah.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!