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US forces kill 49 in stronghold
21/10/2007 20:08 - (SA)
Baghdad - US forces killed 49 "criminals" in fierce fighting with militants in Baghdad's shi'ite stronghold of Sadr City on Sunday during a raid targeting an Iranian-linked insurgent, the military said.
Medics at four hospitals confirmed 17 dead, including a boy and a girl, but US military spokesperson Winfield Danielson said there were no civilian casualties and no reports of American losses.
The US military said troops were drawn into fighting after they launched a raid to seize their high-value target in Sadr City, a poor part of the capital dominated by militia loyal to anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
"The operation's objective was an individual reported to be a long-time Special Groups member specialising in kidnapping operations," a statement from the military said.
"Special Groups" is a US military term for what it says are secret shi'ite cells which wage acts of "terrorism" in Iraq with the financial and military backing of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards units.
"Intelligence indicates he is a well-known cell leader and has previously sought funding from Iran to carry out high profile kidnappings," the statement said.
Danielson said the targeted individual had not been killed or captured during the clashes, which the military said erupted when troops were attacked by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades.
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