US forces say kill 12 insurgents in Iraq's Ramadi

BAGHDAD, Oct 25 (Reuters) US forces killed 12 people they said were insurgents preparing to plant a roadside bomb in the western city of Ramadi, the US military said today.

''Coalition forces observed insurgents emplacing an improvised explosive device (IED) and used precision munitions to destroy their attempts,'' it said in a statement, adding the strike took place yesterday.

''Coalition forces targeted the car that transported the explosives being used for the IED and the insurgents who were planting it. The target was destroyed and the IED that the insurgents had planted detonated.'' It said there were no reports of civilian casualties.

Roadside bombs, also known as improvised explosive devices, are the deadliest weapon against US troops in Iraq. Ramadi, a Sunni insurgent stronghold, is the capital of rebellious Anbar province.

Ninety US troops have been killed in October alone, the highest monthly figure in nearly a year.

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