U.S., Iraqi forces kill 250 militants in Najaf
NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces killed 250 gunmen in a fierce battle involving U.S. tanks and helicopters on the outskirts of the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf on Sunday, a senior Iraqi police officer said.
The day-long battle was continuing after nightfall, Colonel Ali Nomas told Reuters, as tens of thousands of pilgrims converged on the nearby city of Kerbala for the climax of the Ashura commemorations.
A U.S. helicopter was shot down in the fighting, Iraq security sources said. The U.S. military declined comment. A Reuters reporter saw a helicopter come down trailing smoke.
Shi'ite political sources said the gunmen appeared to be both Sunni Arabs and Shi'ites loyal to a cleric called Ahmed Hassani. ...
Official: At least 250 insurgents in Najaf killed.
NAJAF, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraqi and U.S. forces have killed an estimated 250 to 300 gunmen in the Shiite holy city of Najaf during heavy fighting on Sunday, an Iraqi interior ministry official told CNN.
Those killed were part of a contingent of about 600 gunmen, stationed outside the city, who planned to attack Najaf, take control of the province, and kill Shia clerics including Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the official said.
A U.S. helicopter went down north of Najaf and two soldiers were killed, the U.S. military confirms. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, the military said.
Gunmen in Najaf fired a missile at a U.S. helicopter, downing it near the city, Iraqi officials said.
Fighting in the city 100 miles south of Baghdad is still under way. ....
