Other Iraq developments

Major developments Wednesday:

  • U.S.-led forces launched an assault against militiamen loyal to a radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, raiding hideouts in the holy city of Karbala. U.S. military officials said 10 al-Sadr followers were killed.
  • U.S. troops fought al-Sadr fighters outside a cemetery where more than 50 militiamen took part in the shooting, ambushing three U.S. Humvees. As the Americans returned fire, mourners who had come to bury their dead in Najaf’s sprawling cemetery ran for safety.
  • Prime Minister Tony Blair said Britain was involved in discussions with the United States about sending more troops to Iraq. Several British newspapers reported that the Bush administration wanted Britain to send soldiers to help make up the shortfall after Spain’s withdrawal.
  • One U.S. soldier died after a dump truck tried to ram a checkpoint in Karbala. He was the 20th U.S. serviceman killed in Iraq in May.