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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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10 November 2004
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting. Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting. Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
06 April 2004
Iraqi changeover deadline remains, despite clashes: Bush
The US still intends to stick to its deadline to transfer power to the Iraqi transitional government despite the deteriorating security situation in the country, President George Bush has said. Mr Bush made his comments as US operations against militia and supporters loyal to the Islamic cleric Moqtada Al Sadr reached a new intensity.
Iraqi changeover deadline remains, despite clashes: Bush
The US still intends to stick to its deadline to transfer power to the Iraqi transitional government despite the deteriorating security situation in the country, President George Bush has said. Mr Bush made his comments as US operations against militia and supporters loyal to the Islamic cleric Moqtada Al Sadr reached a new intensity.
31 March 2003
Marine dies as Baghdad bombing intensifies
Bagdad has been rocked by fresh explosions as the coalition forces continue the bombardment of selected targets withing the Iraqi capital. Explosions caused by renewed bombing last night set fire to several buildings in the city including the Ministry of Information and a palace belonging to Saddam Hussein's son Qusay.
Marine dies as Baghdad bombing intensifies
Bagdad has been rocked by fresh explosions as the coalition forces continue the bombardment of selected targets withing the Iraqi capital. Explosions caused by renewed bombing last night set fire to several buildings in the city including the Ministry of Information and a palace belonging to Saddam Hussein's son Qusay.
24 March 2004
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.
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 WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
