U.S. Military to Begin New Operations in Diyala Province, Iraq

BAGHDAD – The top U.S. commander in northern Iraq says two new operations aimed at quelling violence in the area will begin early next month.

Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling says the Iraqi army will lead an offensive to clamp down on insurgents in Diyala province. He says the U.S. military also will launch a twin operation throughout the north to chase al-Qaida in Iraq from safe havens in remote areas.