Reply #70: CNN Headline link: Three U.S. soldiers die in ambush [View All]

[Barrett808]

Three U.S. soldiers die in ambush
Violence in cities mars coalition's announcement
Sunday, April 4, 2004 Posted: 3:22 PM EDT (1922 GMT)

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Three U.S. soldiers were killed and at least 10 wounded in an ambush in a Baghdad neighborhood Sunday, a senior coalition official told CNN.

The killings in the Shiite majority Sadr City came on a day that saw deadly clashes between protesters and coalition forces in the holy city of Najaf, fighting in Baghdad and a car bombing in Kirkuk.

The chief U.S. civilian administrator in Iraq denounced Shiite protests in Najaf Sunday, saying the lethal demonstrations had exceeded the democratic rights to protest, speak and use the media.

"A group of people in Najaf have crossed the line and have moved to violence," Paul Bremer said. "This will not be tolerated by the coalition. This will not be tolerated by the Iraqi people. And this will not be tolerated by the Iraqi security forces."

Protesters opened fire on a Najaf garrison housing Spanish troops, and troops responded with return fire, a coalition spokesman said. Maj. Vicente Bizarroso said one coalition soldier was killed and 10 were wounded. Some news agencies said there were more troops killed, but the coalition did not confirm the reports.

Whether protesters were killed or wounded in the clashes remains unknown.

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http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/04/04/iraq.main/index.html