By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Armed clashes have resumed in Sadr City, stronghold of the Sadrist movement in Baghdad, between Iraqi and US forces on one side and militants on the other, at a time when US helicopters shelled the city of Tikrit.
A security source told KUNA that the clashes erupted very early Wednesday morning and that mortar shells and light weaponry were used.
The source did not reveal whether or not there were casualties on either side. However, a medical source said the bodies of four Iraqi civilians were found and more than 20 others were admitted to the Imam Al-Hospital with injuries.
Meanwhile, a Multi-National Force (MNF) statement Wednesday said: “Terrorists launched 12 combined mortar and rocket attacks into Multi-National Division — Baghdad’s operational environment beginning at approximately 6am (local time) on March 25.”
The statement said that among the multiple attacks were 107 mm rockets fired towards Baghdad’s International Zone, 81 mm mortars fired at Forward Operating Base Falcon, 107 mm rockets fired at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah, 60 mm mortars fired at Joint Security Station Thawra 1, and 60 mm mortars fired at Joint Security Station SUJ.
“The attacks resulted in limited civilian injuries and minor damage to buildings and vehicles,” it said.
“Extremists continue to fire indiscriminately from the vicinity of Sadr City putting the residents of Baghdad at risk,” said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
“The vast majority of Iraqis want security and stability. Coalition forces want the same, a better future for all Iraqis.”