Quoting the Iraq Aid Association in Baghdad, IRIN said most child insurgents harbor motives for revenge. The Iraq Aid Association works with children suffering psychological trauma as a result of violence.

"We have heard of cases of children helping insurgents and this should have been prevented. Insurgents should be careful in putting children in such dangerous situations," an IAA spokesperson said.

The agency said at least 15 children have been used by insurgents and five are in therapy for psychological problems.

IAA told IRIN there are many more cases of children participating in the insurgency, especially in the western Anbar province.

One 10-year-old child was quoted as blaming U.S. troops for the death of his parents in May 2004 as they fled a battle in Fallujah. He said he celebrated with his friends after he took part in an attack three weeks ago that caused the deaths of three U.S. Marines outside Ramadi.

An Iraqi defense ministry spokesman told IRIN he is not aware of children being used in suicide attacks.