41 insurgents killed as US presses assault on Al-Qaeda

BAGHDAD: At least 41 insurgents have been killed in the past two days by US-led troops in an assault on Al-Qaeda networks in the restive province of Diyala, northeast of Baghdad, the military said on Thursday.

Around 10,000 US and Iraqi troops backed by attack helicopters launched Operation Arrowhead Ripper in the province Tuesday to root out Al-Qaeda militants in the region in the largest single assault since 2004.

"Our combined forces have begun destroying Al-Qaeda operatives and their resources in and around Diyala province," US commander Brigadier General Mick Bednarek said.

The forces destroyed three "enemy safe houses" and a number of roadside bombs, a military statement said.

"Ground forces also found a house booby trapped with improvised explosive devices in the Khatoon neighbourhood near Baquba. The building was destroyed with a rocket from an air support helicopter," it said.

The military called in air support to kill another four suspects seen planting roadside bombs, the statement added.

"Our joint efforts, along with the citizens of Diyala, will continue to back these Al-Qaeda terrorists into a corner until they have no choice but end their attempts," said Bednarek.

Troops have also captured six alleged Al-Qaeda militants attempting to escape the assault in an ambulance, the statement said, adding that the men in the ambulance, which evaded a checkpoint, showed no signs of injury.