US armored troops prepare to launch an all-out offensive on Iraq's rebel-held city of Fallujah, Nov. 9. The US Marines backed by Iraqi forces entered the centre of the city. This is the second large-scale assault they have launched on Fallujah within the last seven months. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

US soldiers make preparations before attacking Iraq's rebel-held city of Fallujah, Nov. 9. US forces, backed by Iraqi troops, kicked off an all-out offensive on Iraq's rebel-held city of Fallujah Monday evening just after Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi signaled the green light to US-Iraqi forces to neutralize insurgents in Fallujah. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

On the outskirts of Iraqi city of Fallujah, US forces and Iraqi troops march towards Fallujah city, Nov. 9. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A US helicopter lands on a clearing near Fallujah railway station, Nov. 9. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A US soldier opens fire during fierce battles in the Iraqi city of Fallujah on November 8. US forces, backed by Iraqi troops, kicked off an all-out offensive on Iraq's rebel-held city of Fallujah Monday evening. (Xinhua Photo)

The night sky of Iraqi city of Fallujah is lightened by gunfire on November 9. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Fierce battles continued in the Iraqi city of Fallujah on Tuesday as US marines pushed into the heart of the besieged city.

    Local reports say the US Marines backed by Iraqi forces punched into Fallujah from the northwestern Jolan district and al-Mualemeen district in the east.

    US planes hamered Fallujah with shells and missiles, bombing a government clinic in the centre of the city, causing dozens of casualties.

    The one-storey Community Clinic, which had been receiving wounded insurgents and civilians, was totally destroyed overnight.

    Meanwhile, witnesses say a US helicopter was shot down over the Jolan district, northwest of the city.

    There was no immediate confirmation from independent source on the incident or the casualties.

    The major assault on Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad, aims at retaking the city from the insurgents as part of efforts to restore security and stability to the war-torn country and pave way for the general elections slated for January, 2005. Enditem

(CRIENGLISH.com)