Reuters: U.S. troops press offensive in western Iraq

By Peter Graff

KARABILA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. troops, backed by Iraqi forces and U.S. and British aircraft, pushed into the northern section of a town near the Syrian border which they say has become a stronghold for foreign fighters.

Karabila, a near deserted town that was once home to 60,000 people, and other areas around the city of Qaim, are the focus of Operation Spear, one of two offensives launched in three days in the western desert against Sunni Arab rebels fighting the U.S. presence and new, Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad.

Along with Operation Dagger, closer to the capital near Tharthar lake, the high-profile assaults took place as President Bush, absorbing new criticism of his strategy in Iraq, asked Americans to show patience on what he called a "central front in the war on terror."

U.S. aircraft and helicopters were in action overnight. The U.S. military said Britain's air force has also taken part.

Semper Fi