Baghdad, Sept 9, SPA -- U.S. and Iraqi security forceslaunched attacks Thursday to flush out insurgents innorthern Iraq, killing 12 people, the military and Iraqiofficials said. The operations are intended to restore interim governmentcontrol in Tal Afar, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west ofMosul, the military said. The military said the attacks were launched afternegotiations between Nineveh Gov. Duraid Kashmoula andlocal leaders failed to bring stability to the region. At least 12 people were killed, said Col. AdnanAbdel-Rahman, a spokesman for the Iraqi Interior Ministry.--SPA1240 Local Time 0940 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/199713