Iraqi Insurgents Enlist Kids for Dirty Work

US detention center adds school for captured child fighters

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 27, 2007 3:54 PM CDT

(Newser) – Iraqi children are playing an amplified role in insurgent attacks, and the US is struggling to cope with the consequences. The ranks of minors detained by American forces have grown from 100 to 800 since March, the LA Times reports. Boys as young as 11 set off roadside bombs for $200 or $300, enough to feed their families for weeks.

Experts say a staunched flow of foreign fighters has inspired new recruiting of children. The detention center for minors has added school facilities where the boy prisoners study Arabic, English, math, geography and science—as well as new Iraqi government institutions. Sleeping quarters are divided into Sunni and Shiite sections, but members of both sects share the classrooms.

An Iraqi boy throws a stone at a burning sports utility vehicle after a roadside bomb exploded in central Basra, Iraq's second-largest city, 550 kilometers (340 miles) southeast of Baghdad,on Friday,... (Associated Press)

A four year old Iraq child cries as older boys stage a mock execution in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, July 2, 2007. An increasing number of young boys have gone beyond fantasy, aiding militants in killings,... (Associated Press)

Iraqi children play war games in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, July 2, 2007. Some of the boys are encouraged by their family to work for insurgents who pay up to $300 for the planting of a roadside bomb. (AP... (Associated Press)

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US: Do We Dare Turn Detainees Over to Iraqis?

Security deal could see Iraqi authorities handed thousands of prisoners they can't handle

Petraeus: Give Me Six More Months

Wants Congress to postpone decision on bringing troops home

Intelligence Community Doubts Iraqi Leadership

Big insurgent offensive may be in the works

Corruption Shadows Iraq Rebuilding

US investigates dozens of fraud cases as pricey projects disintegrate

Third of Iraqis Need Critical Aid

Government of violence-riddled nation can't provide basics

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