Offensive operations will still rely upon outside support for air power, intelligence and logistics.

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Coalition forces have been providing air support and intelligence, but the offensive is the first real test of the Iraqi security services.

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The BBC's Ian Pannell, who is travelling with UK troops in Helmand, says the latest phase of the offensive involves a major land assault, with soldiers backed up by artillery and air support.

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Yet even so, the Libyan operation would have been impossible without US involvement - both in actively bombing Colonel Gaddafi's air defences during the early days of the offensive, and in providing extensive intelligence and other support later.

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