"Despite efforts to subdue the remaining armed terrorists, coalition forces continued to be threatened by enemy fire, causing forces to call in close air support resulting in 18 more armed terrorists killed," a statement on Dec. 8 said. "During a search of the objective, coalition forces found multiple weapons caches consisting of AK-47s, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-personnel mines, explosives, blasting caps and suicide vests."

U.S. officials also said an Al Qaida cell leader was captured by the Iraq Army in Faluja. A U.S. military statement on Dec. 8 said the suspect directed ambushes and improvised explosive device operations in the Anbar province.

The statement identified the suspect as a leading Al Qaida operative in Anbar. The unidentified detainee was said to have been in control of an insurgency network.

On Saturday, the U.S. military said two insurgency cell leaders were captured near Ramadi, the capital of Anbar. The military said the Al Qaida cell leaders were responsible for IED attacks and abducting Iraqi civilians and soldiers.

"The insurgent cell leaders and their groups are affiliated with Al Qaida in Iraq," the military said. "They are also allegedly responsible for coordinating and conducting small arms attacks against Iraqi security forces."

Iraqi sources said the casualties were civilians. The U.S. military said it would investigate the claim.

Print this Article	Email Article	Headline Alerts	RSS/XML