Haditha Dam, Iraq ? Iraqi commanders accompanied by U.S. Marines walked through the streets of this former insurgent stronghold Saturday, trying to convince residents they could safely provide tips about hidden militants in what has evolved from a major military assault into a campaign to break the insurgency’s psychological grip on the city.

Men in Sunni Arab robes appeared outside in greater numbers, but still lingered close to their homes in Haditha.

Though insurgents were not on the streets, their presence was evident: Marines said fliers were found threatening those who vote in next weekend’s constitutional referendum.

The Marines’ task of weeding out information on militants is complicated by the changing allegiances of residents, who have waited to see who emerges as the most powerful force.

Earlier this week, a cache of weapons, including several bombs ready to be planted with protruding wires, were found buried in a mosque courtyard in Haditha. A day later, pro-U.S. messages blared from mosque loudspeakers.

The U.S. military has pinned its hopes on Iraqi troops, who they are slowly integrating into patrols and key operations in Haditha, as they did earlier this year further down the river in the city of Hit, the largest city in the area.