Samarra, Iraq, Oct 1, SPA -- Heavy gunfire and explosions rocked Samarra on Friday after U.S. and Iraqi forces launched amajor assault to retake control of the insurgent strongholdnorth of the capital. Hospital officials said more than 80people were killed and 100 wounded. Troops of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, Iraqi NationalGuard and Iraqi Army moved into Samarra after midnightunder cover of heavy fire, securing government and policebuildings early Friday, the U.S. command said. Residents cowered in their homes as tanks and warplanespounded the city overnight. The sound of loud shellingmixed with the crackle of automatic gunfire continued intothe morning. At least three houses were flattened anddozens of cars charred, residents said.--SPA1153 Local Time 0853 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/207048