US troops find huge insurgent bunker in Iraq

BAGHDAD - US troops have discovered a huge insurgent bunker complex dug into a quarry in western Iraq, with air conditioning, showers and a large stockpile of weapons, the American military said.

The Marines said the complex was 170m wide and 275m long, making it one of the biggest insurgent hideouts discovered in Iraq. They said nobody was in the bunker when it was found.

"Within the various rooms making up the facility, Iraqi security and coalition forces discovered four fully furnished living spaces, a kitchen with fresh food, two shower facilities and a working air conditioner," said Captain Jeffrey Pool of the 2nd Marine Division.

"In one portion of this insurgent lair, coalition forces and Iraqi security forces found numerous types of machine guns, ordnance including mortars, rockets and artillery rounds, black uniforms, ski masks, compasses, log books, night vision goggles, and fully charged cell phones."

The bunker system was close to the town of Karma near Falluja, around 50km of Baghdad.

Iraq's western Anbar province is the area of Iraq where the insurgency is strongest -- more US troops have been killed there than in any other province. Most of the province is desert, and the overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim population is concentrated mainly in towns along the Euphrates River.

The US military says al Qaeda's network in Iraq brings weapons, cash and foreign Arab fighters into the country through the western border with Syria.

Foreign suicide bombers stay in a succession of safe houses in Anbar on their way to launch attacks, officers say.

Falluja was controlled by insurgents for several months last year after the US military pulled its troops out of the city. Following an offensive to drive out guerrillas in November, Marines said they found several bomb-making factories, guerrilla training centers and buildings where hostages were kept.

Ramadi, the other main city in Anbar, remains an insurgent stronghold.

- REUTERS