BAGHDAD, Sept. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Al-Qaida wing in Iraq claimed responsibility Wednesday for attacks on US and Iraqi forces to avenge their military offensive in the northern town of Tal Afar.

   "We rejoice the Muslim nation that the battle to avenge the Sunnis of Tal Afar has begun in all over Iraq," said an al-Qaida statement posted on an Islamic website.

   "The brigades have set off to uphold their religion through death," it added.

   Suicide bombers waged a series of deadly attacks against the US and Iraqi forces along with civilians in Baghdad, killing dozens of people and wounding more others.

   Earlier on Saturday, the Iraqi forces backed by the US troops launched a major offensive against insurgents and foreign fighters in Tal Afar, some 420 km north of Baghdad.

   Ethnic Turkmen account for 90 percent of the population in the restive Tal Afar, about 70 percent of whom are Sunnis. Enditem