25 killed in Iraq during the hunt for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

A suspected insurgents’ safe house west of Baghdad was bombed by the US air forces on Friday, in an attempt to kill the Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who is believed to be behind a series of deadly attacks in Iraq.

"Today, coalition forces conducted another strike on a known Zarqawi network safe house in Fallujah, based on multiple confirmations of Iraqi and coalition intelligence," said Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, the coalition’s deputy director of operations. He has also said, that between 20 and 25 people were killed in the raid, reports dailytimes.com.pk.

According to theage.com.au, US commanders believe Zarqawi is planning a wave of car bombings in Baghdad, said Col. Michael Formica, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade.

New US military checkpoints have been set up around the city of 5 million people, and large numbers of Iraqi National Guard troops in combat fatigues and body armor were deployed into the streets and main squares today.

"We expect there will be more attacks," Interior Minister Falah Hassan al-Naqib said.