80 rebels killed in Iraq terror camp battle

US and Iraqi forces killed 80 militants in a battle near Tikrit, officials said today.

Yesterday’s clash happened during a raid on a terrorist camp at Lake Tharthar and left seven Iraqi troops dead and four more injured, said Colonel Ahmed Essa.

US military officials said 20 militants had been captured .

Iraqi insurgents have suffered a series of blows this week, including 26 deaths during a clash with American soldiers on Sunday.