Scattered violence has been reported in Iraq, where authorities continue to confront Islamist gunmen in the western province of Anbar.
On January 27, the Associated Press news agency quoted officials as saying a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at a checkpoint near the Anbar city of Fallujah, killing four soldiers and wounding around 20.
The French news agency AFP reported the deaths of 26 people in attacks on January 26 in Anbar, Baghdad, and areas north of the capital.
The White House said Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to offer continued U.S. support for the government in the Anbar battle.
Fighters of the Al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant took over parts of the Anbar capital, Ramadi, and nearby Fallujah around the new year.
On January 27, the Associated Press news agency quoted officials as saying a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at a checkpoint near the Anbar city of Fallujah, killing four soldiers and wounding around 20.
The French news agency AFP reported the deaths of 26 people in attacks on January 26 in Anbar, Baghdad, and areas north of the capital.
The White House said Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to offer continued U.S. support for the government in the Anbar battle.
Fighters of the Al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant took over parts of the Anbar capital, Ramadi, and nearby Fallujah around the new year.