Fighting erupts again in Fallujah
A series of explosions rocked Fallujah and gunfire rang out across the city in new fighting today in the heart of Iraq’s Sunni triangle.
It followed a heavy overnight battle in which US warplanes and artillery pounded the city in a show of force against Sunni insurgents holed up in a slum.
Gunfire and mortar blasts could be heard for more than an hour from south-western Fallujah in the afternoon, then three thunderous explosions shook the area as US warplanes circled over head.
A black plume of smoke rose over the area.
The overnight fighting appeared far heavier than previous clashes.
An AC-130, a powerful gunship that carries artillery and machine guns, unleashed a barrage of fire including shells from a 105 mm howitzer against insurgent targets.
Gunfire and explosions reverberated for nearly two hours, and an orange glow shone over the area while showers of sparks descended like fireworks.
Iraqi hospitals reported that two people were injured in the fighting. Militants, however, often do not evacuate their casualties to hospitals fearing that the injured could be arrested by American forces.
There was no information on any Iraqis being killed.
At least eight destroyed houses could be seen in the Jolan neighbourhood after the fighting ended.
