 U.S. and Iraqi troops trying to stem the flow of insurgent fighters across the Syrian border launched a dawn assault Monday on another border town, killing a reported 37 insurgents. Operation Steel Curtain entered a new phase Monday when U.S. and Iraqi forces moved into the Euphrates River valley town of Obeidi, 185 miles west of Baghdad. "Five targets were struck by coalition air strikes resulting in an estimated 37 insurgents killed. The insurgents were engaging coalition forces with small arms fire at the time of the strikes," a U.S. military statement said. "Preliminary reports indicate an estimated 25 insurgents have already been captured and are currently detained." The troops assigned to the 2nd Marine Division have already fought their way through two neighboring towns, Husaybah and Karabilah. U.S. forces believe the border towns have been an entry point for insurgent fighters and weapons into Iraq. |