Two U.S. Soldiers Die in Clashes in Iraq

[Flagg]

Two U.S. Soldiers Die in Clashes in Iraq


By MARIAM FAM, Associated Press Writer

KUFA, Iraq - Fighting raged in the Shiite holy city of Kufa early Monday, killing two U.S. soldiers and further eroding a deal to halt clashes with followers of a radical Muslim cleric. A strong explosion rocked Baghdad near the so-called green zone and early reports said there were a number of casualties.


AP
Shiite militiamen accused the Americans of firing near the main mosque, damaging its outer marble wall. The bodies of two slain fighters loyal to firebrand leader Motqada al-Sadr lay on the mosque's blood-soaked floor, covered with blankets.


"They have no respect for holy sites or for human rights," said one fighter who gave only his first name, Abu Sayf. "This is a violation to the truce. We are committed, but they have no commitment."


Attackers ambushed a patrol with small arms fire, killing one U.S. soldier, and fired a rocket-propelled grenade on a tank, killing another American. The fighting also killed an Iraqi and injured eight others, hospital officials said.


In a report from Kufa, CNN, which has a reporter embedded with 1st Armored Division troops there, spoke of a "major firefight" which broke out late Sunday when soldiers tried to secure a police station. CNN quoted soldiers as saying it was the most intense fighting in the area in the past six weeks.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040531/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq&cid=540&ncid=2100

[fishnfla]

1. happy memorial day

those poor families

this war is a disaster

[ps1074]

2. "BRING EM ON" CRIED THE AWOL CHIMP

eom