TALL AFAR, Iraq, Sept 10 (AFP) - The northern Iraqi troublespot of Tall Afar remained sealed off by US-led Iraqi troops on Friday, one day after at least 45 people were killed in huge air and ground assault, an AFP correspondent said.
US planes flew over the town and the military confirmed that coalition and Iraqi national guardsmen were continuing operations in the area.
Only ambulances were being allowed to ferry supplies in and out of the town, after passing first a US checkpoint and then an Iraqi national guard checkpoint.
An officer said police were patrolling streets deserted by insurgent fighters and the military said checkpoints had been established to control access in and out of Tall Afar.
Operations "continue to work to establish security and eliminate terrorist activities that have forced hundreds of people from their homes," the military said in a statement.
Thirteen hours of relentless air strikes and fierce fighting in two districts of Tall Afar left 45 people dead and more than 80 wounded on Thursday, the local hospital said.
Although the town`s police chief said 13 policemen were killed and wounded, the US military reported no coalition casualties, and it was unclear if that number was included in the toll given by the Iraqis.
The US army said up to 57 "terrorists" were killed in the clashes Thursday.
US troops announced through loudspeakers that for five days, residents would not be allowed to enter the town, which they charge is infested with fighters who infiltrated from Syria.