U.S. Troops Battle Fighters Near Baghdad

Monday, September 29, 2003

(1:03 PM ET)

By Karel Prinsloo

Associated Press Writer

Habaniyah and Khaldiyah are about 50 miles west of Baghdad.

KHALDIYAH, Iraq -- AP
In dangerous Euphrates River towns west of Baghdad, one soldier was killed Monday and three were wounded in separate roadside bombings. One of the blasts prompted a firefight backed by attack aircraft, tanks and helicopters as U.S. soldiers battled Iraqi resistance fighters for more than eight hours, U.S. officials said.

The American military also announced the arrest of 92 people in a series of raids aimed at those responsible for attacks against Americans north of the capital. One of the raids included the largest joint operation between U.S. military police and about 200 American-trained Iraqi police.

The two bombings hit U.S. military convoys in the adjacent towns of Habaniyah and Khaldiyah at about the same time. The bombing in Khaldiyah prompted the big firefight in which two soldiers and one civilian were injured, according to Lt. Col. Jeff Swisher of the 1st Infantry Division.

1. The Khaldiyah fighting began at 9 a.m. when an American patrol was hit by roadside bombs, then insurgents opened fire with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms, Swisher said. The patrol returned fire and support was called in," he said.

Americans began withdrawing at about 5:30 p.m. from the al-Qurtan neighborhood on the north side of Khaldiyah, scene of several previous firefights between the U.S. military and guerrilla fighters. Angry residents cursed at reporters who entered the fire zone after the battle. Swisher said 14 people were detained.
(More: USA TODAY / World)
2003 © The Associated Press.

Dan