The US military said Thursday that 18 women suicide bombers linked to al-Qaida network in Iraq turned themselves in to the U.S. troops north of Baghdad.

The surrender occurred on Wednesday after the women were " persuaded by their mullahs (Muslim clerics) and fathers to cease their training in suicide operations and reconcile," said a military statement.

The women signed reconciliation pledge to cease attacks and declare their support to the Iraqi government, it added.

"Preying on the vulnerability of these women is a hallmark for al-Qaida in Iraq tactic, and today's event should serve as an example for other women who find themselves in similar situations, showing them there is another way," Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commander of Multi-National Division-North was quoted as saying.

Late in August, the military said that a 13-year-old Iraqi girl wearing an explosive vest had turned herself into the Iraqi police instead of blowing herself up in the volatile province of Diyala, northeast of Baghdad.

Suicide attacks carried out by women and girls have become increasingly common in Iraq recently. The US military says that al-Qaida insurgents prefer using female bombers because they can easily escape detection as the Iraqi police are reluctant to search them.

(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2008)