U.S. and Iraqi troops have been fighting insurgents in Operation Arrowhead Ripper in and around Baquba, the capital of Diyala -- the eastern province northeast of Baghdad.

CNN: Gunmen in military uniforms kill 29 in Iraqi village

"Al Qaeda cells were driven from Baquba in Diyala due to Operation Arrowhead Ripper in June and July and then pursued in the Diyala River valley during Operation Lighting Hammer in August, " Maj.

CNN: 26,000 U.S., Iraqi troops conduct offensive