The Iraqi Army launched an operation late Monday night (January 9th) targeting al-Qaeda in Babil province, the Ministry of Defence said.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari, the official ministry spokesperson, told Al-Shorfa on Tuesday that about 800 soldiers from the Iraqi Army's third division are targeting al-Qaeda terrorists and collaborators in the northern section of Babil province, including al-Haswa, Jabala, al-Musayyib and al-Mahaweel.

He said the army launched the operation based on intelligence. No timetable was set regarding the duration of the operation.

"It will be open until its goals, complete security and the elimination of terrorism, have been achieved," Askari said.