BAGHDAD, June 12: US-led forces killed nine people, including seven insurgents, linked to the Al Qaeda terrorist group, in a raid on Monday carried out northeast of Baghdad, the US Command said. The raid just outside the city of Baqouba turned into a firefight that also resulted in the death of two children. AP Television News footage showed the burned out shells of vehicles and a devastated house with a large hole in the roof.

“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,” an announcement said.—AP