'Iraqi forces backed by US troops launch raids in Sadr City; 7 killed'
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Hospital officials say overnight clashes between US and Iraqi forces and Shiite militants in Baghdad's embattled Sadr City district killed seven people and wounded 45.
The US military had no immediate comment about the fighting that broke out late Thursday in the sprawling district of 2.5 million people. Sadr City is a stronghold of the Mahdi Army of anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
Witnesses say clashes ended in the early hours of Friday. US helicopter gunships reportedly struck targets in Sadr City.
The district has been the scene of daily combat between militants and Iraqi government and US troops for the past month.