U.S. forces are continuing their ground assault on insurgents in the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

U.S. troops bombarded targets in Fallujah with renewed airstrikes and artillery Thursday, hitting mortar positions and sniper nests.

U.S. military officials say Marines and army units had gained a large presence in much of the city, but were still meeting pockets of resistance from insurgents.

Meanwhile, military officials say U.S. troops found and freed an Iraqi who had been held hostage by the insurgents. They say the man had been beaten and appeared malnourished.

Insurgents sought to open a second front Wednesday, mounting attacks outside Fallujah that killed 28 people - including Iraqi troops, civilians, and an American soldier.

VOA News - US Forces Tighten Grip On Fallujah