Iraq says it will close a section of its border with Syria, as its forces lead a major anti-insurgent offensive in the area. Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari ordered the Rabiah border crossing closed until further notice as of Sunday.
Iraqi troops, supported by American forces, are conducting operations in the nearby city of Tal Afar aimed at ridding the city of insurgents and foreign fighters, many of whom infiltrate Iraq from Syria. The operations began on Saturday following days of clashes and U.S. airstrikes. Defense Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi warned the residents of the western cities of Ramadi, Samarra, Rawa and Qaim that their areas would soon see anti-insurgent offensives. Meanwhile, south of Baghdad (in Iskandariya), police discovered the bodies of 18 men, who had been handcuffed and executed.