US-Led Operation in Iraq Aims For 'Subersive Elements'
Voice of America
VOA News
12 Jun 2003, 13:03 UTC
U.S.-led forces in Iraq are carrying out a massive operation north of Baghdad to destroy what U.S. Central Command calls "subversive elements" in the country.
The offensive involves thousands of American troops in a large area around the towns of Balad and Duluiya in search of militants who have been organizing attacks on coalition troops. In the latest action, U.S.-led forces attacked what Central Command calls a "terrorist training camp" with an airstrike and ground troops early Thursday. A Central Command statement says one coalition soldier received minor wounds in a gunbattle at the site, 150 kilometers northwest of Baghdad.
The U.S. military says the campaign began Monday with a series of raids aimed at Baath Party loyalists and paramilitary groups. It says around 400 people have been detained in the sweeps, along with a large number of arms and ammunition. Military officials say about 60 of the detainees have already been released.
Iraqi civilians are complaining that the operation is excessive, with soldiers putting handcuffs on women and children. The operation follows almost daily guerrilla attacks on U.S. troops in central and western Iraq. At least 10 American soldiers have been killed in the past 15 days. U.S. officials say the attacks have hampered efforts to restore security and begin the massive task of rebuilding Iraq. Meanwhile, Central Command says a U.S. Apache helicopter was apparently shot down by hostile fire Thursday, in western Iraq. It says coalition forces were able to recover the uninjured two-member crew almost immediately and secure the crash site.
It says two other Apaches engaged irregular forces in the vicinity of the downed aircraft.
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