Hillah, Iraq, Nov 21, SPA -- A joint operation by Iraqi police andNational Guards in Baghdad and central Babil province willbe launched this week against insurgents operating in abelt of cities south of the capital, police said Sunday. "We and the Baghdad police, with the participation of theNational Guards will purge the regions of Haswa, Latifiya,and Mahmoudiya," said police Capt. Hadi Hatif. "We willwork on two fronts to carry out this mission." The three towns, which are 30 to 50 kilometers (20-30miles) south of the capital, have been a major area ofinsurgent activity. U.S. and Iraqi forces have come underrepeated attacks by car bombs, rockets, and small arms firein the area.--SPA1325 Local Time 1025 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/218535