US troops find huge insurgent bunker in Iraq

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 170 metres wide and 275 metres 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."