LOC14:07
11:07 GMT
BAGHDAD, Aug 17 (KUNA) -- Al-Qaeda elements rigged more than 36 houses in
Diyala province with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in a single week in a
bid to jeopardize the joint US-Iraqi "Bashayer Al-Khair" operations, the
Multi-National Forces (MNF) said in a statement Sunday.
The number of houses rigged with explosives and roadside bombs increased
since the beginning of the Iraqi offensive in Diyala, while other types of
attack decreased, the statement added.
Areas beyond frequent security operations in the area became major hideouts
for militants who increased attacks targeting houses and involving roadside
bombs, it said.
The number of houses rigged with IEDs and roadside bomb attacks increased
from 36 prior to the operation to 103 from the first to the second week of
August.
Of those 36, 34 explosives were found and destroyed and only two detonated,
the statement said.
The statement quoted Brig. Gen. James Boozer, Deputy Commanding General for
MND-N as saying "The enemy is showing themselves to be heartless with the
destruction of citizen's homes, and we will continue to deny them sanctuary
anywhere in northern Iraq."(end)
ahh.sab
KUNA 171407 Aug 08NNNN