Iraqi forces seize landmines near Iraq-Iran border

Iraqi security forces intercepted six donkeys carrying dozens of anti-tank landmines while patrolling near the Iranian borders, the U.S. military said on Thursday.

"Iraqi security forces intercepted six heavily loaded donkeys, carrying 53 anti-tank landmines and one anti-tank projectile," the military said in a statement.

The statement said that two men in the area fled the scene in the eastern Diyala province where insurgents were active.

"The mines were found in good condition and determined to be Soviet (TM 62) and Italian (IT VS 2.2) made models. One of the mines was pre-rigged to be used as an IED (improvised explosive device)," the statement added.

U.S. officials frequently accused Iran of intervening in Iraq's internal affairs by providing arms for Iraqi militant groups who fight the U.S. troops and the Iraqi government forces.

Source: Xinhua