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28/05/2004
Three die in Kufa as Coalition clashes with militants
At least three people have been killed during fresh clashes between Coalition troops and militants in the holy city of Kufa, according to report emerging today.
The BBC has reported that US army tanks came under fire from automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades as they pushed toward city's main mosque. The radical cleric Moqtada al Sadr frequently gives sermons in the mosque at Friday prayers.
The violent exchanges occurred only 24 hours after a truce was agreed between Moqtada al Sadr, Coalition forces and Shi'ite members of the Iraqi governing council.
In a statement issued yesterday, Coalition commanders said that they were "prepared to suspend offensive operations" in Najaf and reposition their bases outside the city.
The deal, spelled out in a letter from Muqtada to the members, promises the withdrawal of his forces from the city and discussion on the dissolution of the militia as a whole, US Central Command confirmed.
A US military spokesperson said: "Until the withdrawal of militia forces and the return of legitimate civil authorities such as the Iraqi Police Service and Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, Coalition forces will continue to provide security by carrying out presence patrols but will suspend offensive operations.
"At all times, Coalition forces will retain the inherent right of self-defense."
(gmcg)
The BBC has reported that US army tanks came under fire from automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades as they pushed toward city's main mosque. The radical cleric Moqtada al Sadr frequently gives sermons in the mosque at Friday prayers.
The violent exchanges occurred only 24 hours after a truce was agreed between Moqtada al Sadr, Coalition forces and Shi'ite members of the Iraqi governing council.
In a statement issued yesterday, Coalition commanders said that they were "prepared to suspend offensive operations" in Najaf and reposition their bases outside the city.
The deal, spelled out in a letter from Muqtada to the members, promises the withdrawal of his forces from the city and discussion on the dissolution of the militia as a whole, US Central Command confirmed.
A US military spokesperson said: "Until the withdrawal of militia forces and the return of legitimate civil authorities such as the Iraqi Police Service and Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, Coalition forces will continue to provide security by carrying out presence patrols but will suspend offensive operations.
"At all times, Coalition forces will retain the inherent right of self-defense."
(gmcg)
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Marine dies as Baghdad bombing intensifies
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Marine dies as Baghdad bombing intensifies
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06 April 2004
Iraqi changeover deadline remains, despite clashes: Bush
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Iraqi changeover deadline remains, despite clashes: Bush
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24 March 2004
Baghdad hotel hit in missile attack
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Baghdad hotel hit in missile attack
A hotel used by Western journalists and contractors in central Baghdad has been hit by a missile, according to reports emerging today. The sixth floor of the Sheraton Hotel was hit early this morning by a missile, but there were no injuries.
08 April 2004
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Scattered showers and clear spells continue through this evening, becoming dry with clear skies developing in places for a time overnight. Clouding over again from the west by sunrise. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
