Slain Marines tried to root out insurgents [View All]

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http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/politics/12293177.htm

Slain Marines tried to root out insurgents

Associated Press


WASHINGTON - The 21 Marines killed in northern Iraq this week were trying to contain "a very lethal and, unfortunately, adaptive enemy" operating in towns along the Euphrates River, a top Pentagon general said Wednesday.

"They are dangerous and they certainly have a capability," said Brig Gen. Carter Ham, deputy director for operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "But whether or not they have an ability to freely operate in that area, I think not."

A Marine amphibious assault vehicle on patrol during combat operations near the Syrian border hit a roadside bomb Wednesday, and 14 Marines were killed in one of the deadliest single attacks in Iraq against American forces.

Ham declined to provide details of Wednesday's attack, saying it was too early in the investigation.

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