US: Assaults launched in west Iraq

US soldiers have embarked on a major assault on al-Qaeda-linked militants in western Iraq, the US military says.

Some 1,000 ground troops stormed Sadah, a town near the Syrian border in Anbar province, following earlier helicopter strikes, officials say.

They say Operation Iron Fist – the latest in a series of assaults in the area – will tackle infiltration and destroy the insurgents’ haven.

Local doctors say at least 10 civilians have died in the operation – which include at least three children – reportedly travelling in two vehicles carrying fleeing families.