Another very good day in Diyala Province..

Iraqi and Coalition Forces kill 20 militants in Diyala http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Iraq/0,,2-10-1460_2145415,00.html 11/07/2007 19:27 - (South African Press) Baghdad - United States and Iraqi forces killed 20 al-Qaeda militants in Iraq and detained another 20 in the restive province of Diyala, the military said on Wednesday. Operation Saber Guardian was launched on Tuesday as US and Iraqi forces targeted militant strongholds near the town of Sherween in the province, northeast of Baghdad, the military said. The operation was backed by close air support and warplanes dropped eight 2000-pound (907 kg) bombs and 14 500-pound bombs on three river crossings and a bridge to cut off the militants. "The locations were used by al-Qaeda to conduct their attacks and were engaged to prevent their escape," it said. Massive military sweep The US military statement quoting Major General Abdul Kareem, commander of Iraqi forces in Diyala, said the operation led to the discovery of "a big hideout of terrorists". "It was a very big surprise for the terrorists and the people that support them." Iraq forces also cleared a local mosque suspected of being a haven for militants, the statement said, adding that a large weapons cache was found. "The political impact will strengthen the local population's confidence in the IA (Iraq Army) and the local government," said US Major John Woodward. "It will also facilitate Sunni resistance fighting in the Muqdadiyah area as the people have grown tired of the destruction Al-Qaeda offers." About 10 000 US and Iraqi troops are currently conducting a massive military sweep in the province which has emerged as the second most dangerous region after Baghdad.