US Bombs Shiite Gang as Baghdad Pilgrimage Begins

[babylonsister]

US Bombs Shiite Gang as Baghdad Pilgrimage Begins
by AFP staffwriters


BAGHDAD - American jets and helicopters bombed Baghdad’s largest Shiite slum on Wednesday, in a deadly strike targeting Iranian-backed militia, as thousands of pilgrims thronged the streets of the city.

The US military said 30 “terrorists” were killed in the overnight strike on Sadr City, but families complained that women and children were among the dead, and angry mourners gathered to bury simple wooden caskets. 0808 06

Helicopters and war planes were called in as Iraqi and US ground troops arrested 12 members of a cell that American commanders believe brought weapons and explosives from Iran, and sent militants to Iran for training.

“During the course of the operation, the assault force and the overhead aerial support observed a vehicle and large group of armed men on foot attempting an assault on the ground forces,” the military said.

“Responding appropriately to the threat of the organised terrorist force, close air support was called and engaged the terrorist vehicle and organised terrorist force, killing an estimated 30 terrorists,” the statement added.

Families said 11 people were killed in the US strike in the teeming slum, a stronghold of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, including three children and four women. At least one house and a truck were heavily damaged.

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http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/08/08/3063/

[Joanne98]

1. Oh now they're bombing GANGS!If this is a trend I expect they'll be

bombing LA any time now!

[malaise]

4. Horrible choice of word

but no surprise. Have a milion Iraqis died yet. Sadam's beginning to look like the angel Gabriel. :puke:

[hobbit709]

2. They don't need weapons from Iran

We lost 190,000 of them that we gave the Shiite militia aka the Iraqi police.

[Parche]

3. Holy Shi ite Batman

That is just wrong.............:grr: :grr: :grr: