A combined operation between ground forces and Apache attack helicopters engaged and killed platoon-sized terrorists west of the Baghdad International Airport Complex on Iraqi Highway two days ago, the Multi-National Force (MNF) said in a statement on Friday. The statement said a patrol reported tracer fire from terrorists in Az-Zaidon area. As they moved toward the firing, they detected armed insurgents in an ambush position along both sides of a canal road, the statement added.The statement said after clearing the area of friendly forces, the patrol called for close air support from nearby AH-64 Apache attack aircraft. The helicopter engaged the enemy fighters, killing 12 and destroying the truck, which had an anti-aircraft heavy machine gun mounted in the bed, the statement added.