Insurgents Attack U.S. Base In Baquba in 5-hour battle

Soldiers with 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division sight a suspected team of insurgents during a patrol near Baqubah on Tuesday. Baqubah is capital of Diyala province, a longtime haven of insurgent violence which has dramatically increased since the 'crackdown' began in Baghdad, which lies to the south.

Baquba, Iraq (AHN) - More than 50 militants attacked a U.S. base in Baquba, a Sunni anti-government stronghold about 37 miles north of Baghdad on Friday. The base is located in the center of the city. The attack began a battle with U.S. troops and helicopters, at least six militants were killed by U.S. troops, according to the Iraqi army.

Witnesses said that the sounds of gunfire were heard and heavy smoke covered the area as tanks moved through the streets, the Khaleej Times reported Friday.

There were no immediate reports on whether there were any U.S. casualties.

Militants opened fire on the base at about 7 am local time. It took about 30 minutes for U.S. reinforcements to arrive, according to an anonymous Iraqi army officer, who said he didn't have authority to speak officially, Al Jazeera reported Friday.

The fighting ended at about noon local time, Al Jazeera reports.

Read the rest at AHN

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