Iraq: U.S. soldiers ambushed; 16 enemy fighters killed

U.S. soldiers on patrol about 25 miles west of Kirkuk were ambushed late Sunday night and found themselves in a fierce battle that left at least 16 enemy dead and one American soldier wounded.

A scout patrol went to the area after townspeople had complained that loyalists to Saddam Hussein had been threatening them.

Cars of Iraqis, some of whom carried AK-47s, surrounded the patrol, and heavy firing erupted from a complex of buildings 350 yards away.

One U.S. soldier was hit with a bullet in the abdomen while returning fire. Troops killed 16 enemy fighters. They took 15 Iraqis prisoner.

The patrol’s top sergeant, a Kansan, was proud of his troops.

“There’s no doubt about it: They did what they were trained to do and did it well” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Williamson, 33, of Weir.

Washington, D.C.: Philippine president seeks U.S. help with terrorism

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is getting America’s version of the royal treatment from President Bush during her visit.

For the current president, today’s state visit marks the third in 28 months. It is payback for her support in the fight against terrorism.

Arroyo is seeking duty-free privileges for Philippine products.

Intelligence reports that suggest the possibility of terror attacks in Southeast Asia added to the urgency of Arroyo’s key request, which is for more U.S. military aid for the country to combat violence.

Vatican City: Pope leads birthday Mass

Pope John Paul II celebrated his 83rd birthday Sunday with an open-air Mass and requests for prayers so he could continue his papacy — yet another sign that one of history’s longest-serving popes would press on despite his age and ailments.

Tens of thousands of people looked on in St. Peter’s Square as John Paul elevated two Poles and two Italians to sainthood.

John Paul has repeatedly brushed aside suggestions he would step down because of his ailments, and he did so again.

He asked for people to continue to pray for him so he could “faithfully carry out the mission that the Lord has entrusted to me.”