Iraqi Forces Confront Al-Qaeda Militants
The Iraqi army is conducting military operations against al-Qaeda militants in western Iraq, with concerns that these groups are coordinating with terrorist groups in Syria, reports Ali Abel Sadah.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, al-Qaeda militants have been active in private camps out of the public eye, most of which are close to the Iraqi-Syrian border.
On the other hand, Iraqi special forces have succeeded in thwarting this activity and have launched major military operations since the end of last year. The latest operation involved clashes with armed groups in the Horan Valley in western Iraq.
The Horan Valley is the longest valley in Iraq and divides the western highlands, coming from Saudi Arabia in the south and extending to the Euphrates River in the north. It covers civilian areas in the province of Anbar, including al-Haditha and al-Ratba.
Iraqi authorities fear that armed groups in Iraq will establish contact with the rebels in Syria.
