AP: Clashes continue in Tal Afar

TAL AFAR, Iraq Fighting continues in Tal Afar, where U-S and Iraqi forces are readying what could be a major assault.
Tal Afar sits near Iraq's border with Syria and has become an enemy stronghold. U-S forces crushed insurgents there last year before largely pulling out and turning it over to Iraqi soldiers. They weren't able to hold it, setting the stage for the current offensive.

Civilians are being told to leave Tal Afar.

Americans and Iraqis are said to be carrying out house-to-house searches for suspects and weapons. U-S F-16 fighter jets have been providing close air support.

Semper Fi