BAGHDAD, Feb. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- US forces launched air strikes against insurgents in the restive Anbar province, the US military said Thursday.

    The attack came amid raging battles pitting US military against insurgents around the city of Haqlaniyah.

    "Iraqi and US forces engaged terrorists throughout the day on Feb. 23 in and around the city of Haqlaniyah, which included US aircraft providing close air support for troops in contact with terrorists on two separate occasions," the US military said in a statement.

    The US AC-130 gunship launched air strikes in support of US marines who were engaged in fierce battles with insurgents near the city, the statement said.

    US jet fighters also participated in the battles, delivering two500-pound bombs on insurgent positions after insurgents ambushed a US marine patrol with small arms and heavy machine guns, the statement added.

    There were no US casualties reported, it said.

    A total of 87 suspected insurgents have been detained since Operation River Blitz began on Sunday, the statement said. US marines and Iraqi forces continued to conduct operations in western Anbar province along the Euphrates river, it said. Enditem