THE US military said seven "terrorists" linked to al-Qaeda leaders in Iraq have been killed during an air strike today near the restive Iraqi city of Baquba. "Coalition forces killed seven terrorists, wounded three, and detained an additional two terrorists during a raid in the vicinity of Baquba June 12," the military said in a statement. "The targeted terrorists have been linked to previous coalition operations and had ties to senior al-Qaeda leaders across Iraq."Intelligence also indicates this particular terrorist cell is involved in the facilitation of foreign fighters in the area."
The military said coalition forces received enemy machine-gun fire from a rooftop upon arriving at the objective. "Two other individuals with AK-47s had been seen fleeing that area just prior to the assault. Coalition aircraft supporting the ground force immediately suppressed the enemy fire, killing seven."
It said there were numerous women and children on the scene. "Following the assault, coalition troops discovered two children had been killed. One child was wounded and evacuated for treatment," the military said. Troops secured one rocket propelled grenade launcher, five rockets, nine AK-47 assault rifles and 20 loaded ammunition magazines.
Intelligence from the Zarkman bust?