Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

    BAGHDAD, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- U.S. forces killed 12 al-Qaida insurgents and destroyed their two vehicles on Wednesday near the town of Karmah, west of Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Friday.

    Backed by airstrike and artillery fire, U.S. marine troops at northeastern Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad, killed 12members of al-Qaida in Iraq network, the military said in a statement.

    "The Marines called for air support and a section of AV-8BHarrier jets dropped two precision-guided bombs, destroying the initial two cargo trucks. Marines called for artillery fire on the dismounted enemy personnel immediately following the air attack," the statement said.

    "Twelve members of al-Qaida were found dead upon investigation of the scene. Numerous weapons and roadside bomb making materials were also found," it added.

    The area in the Anbar province is part of Sunni insurgents' stronghold, which stretches from the western edges of Baghdad to the Saudi, Jordanian and Syrian borders.