Operation Quick Strike

U.S. and Iraqi forces struck back at insurgents in the northwestern part of Iraq where 22 Marines have been killed this week, launching a land and air offensive in Anbar province near Haditha and Haqlaniyah.

Operation "Quick Strike" began Wednesday with about 1,000 U.S. Marines and Iraqi soldiers. Their mission is to "disrupt insurgents and foreign fighters in the Euphrates River valley", which is believed to be a major infiltration route for extremists entering Iraq from Syria.

U.S. Marines and Iraqi troops pounded insurgents with bombs and tank cannons Friday during the offensive.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jacob Silberberg

-- LynZee