The offensive near the Syrian border was launched earlier this week after insurgents captured parts of the town. But until today, troops had not entered Tal Afar.
Troops were reportedly conducting house-to-house searches and so far had killed 12 militants and captured 15 others.
Ja'fari said no Iraqi or coalition troops have been injured.
Meanwhile, Baghdad's international airport reopened today after closing for a day over a pay dispute between the government and a British company providing security at the facility.
Acting Transportation Minister Ismat Amir said the dispute had been settled with London-based Global Strategies
Group.
(AP/Reuters)
[For the latest news on Iraq, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The New Iraq".]
Troops were reportedly conducting house-to-house searches and so far had killed 12 militants and captured 15 others.
Ja'fari said no Iraqi or coalition troops have been injured.
Meanwhile, Baghdad's international airport reopened today after closing for a day over a pay dispute between the government and a British company providing security at the facility.
Acting Transportation Minister Ismat Amir said the dispute had been settled with London-based Global Strategies
Group.
(AP/Reuters)
[For the latest news on Iraq, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The New Iraq".]
