SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The operation dubbed Omens of Prosperity began with security forces surrounding the provincial capital, Baquba, and then launching a series of raids on specific target, commanders told CNN.

Diyala was the scene of a recent wave of suicide bombings aimed at the Iraqi army and at civilian councils that work with the U.S. military.

The offensive in Diyala comes as the annual Shia Imam Musa al-Kadim festival nears its conclusion. Hundreds of pilgrims have been making their way to the shrine in the northern suburbs of Baghdad under tight security.

The BBC said hundreds of police are monitoring the pilgrims as they stream into the area on foot, which makes them particularly vulnerable to bombers mixing into their ranks.

Female pilgrims are receiving extra scrutiny since women carried out several recent suicide bombings.

 BREAKING STORIES

Thousands protest security pact in Baghdad

U.S. may begin using warrants in Iraq

Al-Qaida leader killed in Baghdad raid

Iraqi lawmakers to take up security deal

Iranian officer captured in Iraq

Iraqi parliament begins SOFA debate

Army bans masks for Iraqi interpreters

Baghdad enjoys rare heavy metal band

Iraq copter crash kills 2 U.S. soldiers

Iraqi Cabinet votes to approve SOFA

11 Iraqis killed in attack

Sadr threatens attacks on U.S. troops

Iraq urges U.S. to OK security deal

Iraq militants turn to 'sticky bombs'

7 feared dead in Iraq plane crash

Iraqi soldier fires on U.S. troops; 2 die

Obama gathering info on Iraq policy

Iraqi government budget set at $67 billion

Military comfortable with Iraqi progress

Sunni councils handed off to Iraq gov't