The Americans returned fire and killed seven insurgents, he said.

The Americans said they had killed at least 125 insurgents, but if the past is any guide, more are likely to be lying in wait.

Later, troops returned and killed 15 insurgents along the same route, he said.

In total the battle killed 21 insurgents and six civilians.

A gun battle followed in which Iraqi forces killed 30 insurgents.

A group of American troops came under fire and fought back, killing several insurgents, he said.

Those raids killed 32 insurgents and captured 178 others, he said.

During the first five months of deployment, the team reportedly killed 84 insurgents.

One helicopter fired back, killing 10 insurgents, the military said.

There is a difference between killing insurgents and fighting an insurgency.