By  Margaret Griffis | AntiWar.com | Jan. 25, 2008

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced today a major offensive against al-Qaeda in Mosul, where a major bombing killed about three dozen people two days ago. Mosul is considered al-Qaeda’s last urban stronghold in Iraq. Elsewhere, at least 55 Iraqis were killed and another four were wounded in attacks and raids. Most of the dead were al-Qaeda suspects.

North of Falluja, police and Awakening Council member killed a gunman, wounded a second, and arrested two suicide bombers.

Awakening Council members killed two gunmen in Samarra. Four gunmen were killed and a number of hostages were released in a separate incident.

In Baghdad, two policemen were wounded during an IED attack on Qanat al-Jaysh Street. Two unidentified bodies were discovered.

One person was killed and another was injured during a roadside bombing in Abu Saida.

Three bodies were found dumped in Saqlawiya.

The road between Khan Bani Saad and Baquba has been cleared of explosive devices. Recently, the route between Khan Bani Saad and Baghdad was also cleared. U.S. troops estimate that 41 al-Qaeda suspects were killed in related offensives. Also, two hostages were freed.

In Basra, 35 members of the Supporters of Ahmed al-Yamani group were detained.

U.S. forces killed one suspect and arrested 19 others in central and northern Iraq. Ten suspects were arrested in Baquba. In Baghdad, 14 men wearing police uniforms and carrying fake IDs were arrested. Also ten detainees were released in Hit.