Coalition forces launched the largest air assault in Iraq since U.S. forces invaded that country in 2003, the U.S. military confirmed Thursday.
The assault was launched in the southern Salah Ad Din province to clear a suspected insurgent operating area southeast of Samarra.
The operation, which began Thursday morning, is expected to continue for several days ahead of the Shiite Muslim holiday.
Coalition forces have dubbed the assault "Operation Swarmer," which is an operation consisting of about 1,500 soldiers in all, including the Iraqi Army's 1st Brigade, 4th Division, the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team and the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade....