US claims 61 Zarqawi-linked rebels captured in Iraq

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2006

BAGHDAD (AFP) — US forces have detained 61 rebels linked to Al-Qaeda in Iraq frontman Abu Musab al-Zarqawi near Fallujah, in western Iraq, Major-General Rick Lynch told a news conference.

The rebels were detained on Monday during a raid on a rebel bomb-making and training base, the US-led coalition spokesman said.

"In an area 30 miles (20 kilometres) northeast of Fallujah, coalition forces had intelligence of an Al-Qaeda in Iraq facility used for training and bomb-making," Lynch said.

"Detail planning and execution led to the apprehension of 61 members of Zarqawi's network in Iraq."

Those apprehended include "critical facilitators" of Zarqawi, he said, adding that a large stock of weapons and ammunition were also confiscated.

The US military,...