In western Iraq, U.S. Marines have launched what is being described as the largest US offensive since the invasion of Fallujah. The military claims it has already killed 100 people near the Syrian border. At least three Marines have died in the fighting. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Iraqi resistance has been well prepared for the U.S. attacks. Sandbag bunkers have been piled in front of homes. Fighters were strategically positioned on rooftops and balconies. Residents were seen flashing lights signaling the coming of the U.S. troops. Attacking Marines faced a barrage of mortars. In at least one town, Marines were involved in house-house combat. Regiment commander Col. Stephen Davis said “They’ve got seasoned fighters out here–this is a dedicated enemy that needs to be rooted out. That could take days, or weeks or months. We’ll stay here until it’s done.”