U.S. airstrike kills 6 in Sadr City

[unhappycamper]

U.S. airstrike kills 6 in Sadr City
By Bushra Juhi - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Apr 1, 2008 14:45:26 EDT

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Tuesday claimed a week-old operation against Shiite militias in the southern city of Basra has been a “success,” despite a cease-fire that stopped short of disarming the gunmen and left him politically battered.

The Shiite leader stopped short of declaring an end to the offensive that began a week ago Tuesday in Basra, sparking retaliatory clashes in Baghdad and other southern cities, and criticism that his government was unprepared for the fierce backlash.

Militia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, meanwhile, thanked his fighters for “defending your people, your land and your honor.”

Sporadic fighting continued in Baghdad and Basra, but the cities were largely calm two days after the radical Shiite cleric called on his fighters to stand down in a bid to end the widening conflict.

A U.S. helicopter fired a missile at gunmen attacking ground forces in the Baghdad militia stronghold of Sadr City, killing six militants, the military said. Iraqi police and witnesses said three civilians were killed in the strike.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/03/ap_airstrike_033108/