US launches new offensive in Iraq
US forces in Iraq have launched a new offensive against both Shia and Sunni insurgents, the US military has said.
Operation Phantom Strike was being staged throughout Iraq, specifically targeting al-Qaeda-linked militants and also Iranian-backed groups, it said.
The move comes as Iraqi leaders are preparing for emergency talks called on Sunday by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.
Mr Maliki urged Iraq’s main political factions to hold talks in an attempt to break the country’s political crisis.