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US, Iraqi forces kill 41 insurgents in assault on al-Qaida
U.S. and Iraq forces killed at least 41 insurgents in two days of an all-out offensive against al-Qaida network in the volatile Diyala province northeast of Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Thursday.
During the first two days of the assault dubbed "Operation Arrowhead Ripper," at least 41 insurgents have been killed, numerous weapons caches and five booby-trapped houses have been discovered, the military said in a statement.
The troops destroyed three "enemy safe houses" and a number of roadside bombs, the statement said.
"Ground forces also found a house booby trapped with improvised explosive devices in the Khatoon neighborhood near Baquba. The building was destroyed with a rocket from an air support helicopter," it added.
In an another development, the military called in air support to kill another four suspects seen planting roadside bombs, the statement said.
Early on Tuesday, the U.S. military said that 10,000 troops, including 2,000 Iraqi soldiers and policemen, have launched a massive assault aimed at hunting for the al-Qaida militants operating in and around Baquba, some 65 km northeast of Baghdad.
"Our combined forces have begun destroying al-Qaida operatives and their resources in and around Diyala province," said Brigadier-General Mick Bednarek of 25th Infantry Division, who is also deputy commanding general for this operation.
Baquba, the capital of the volatile Diyala province, is the stronghold of the extremist Sunni militants of al-Qaida.
Source: Xinhua
People's Daily Online ** US, Iraqi forces kill 41 insurgents in assault on al-Qaida
