Three American soldiers were killed, fighting renewed in al-Falluja

Assistant for the commander of operations in the occupation forces in Iraq Maj. Gen, Mark Kemet, said that three American soldiers of his forces were killed yesterday.

In a press conference, he said that one of the three soldiers was killed in al-Sweira area to the south of Baghdad while a second died in the same area because of his wounds. He added that a third soldier was killed in northern Iraq. But the American military official did not disclose the names of the killed.

Meantime, the government of Ukraine said earlier yesterday that one of its soldiers was killed and a second died of his wounds in al-Sweira area.

On the other hand, the US President George W. Bush said the field military leaders have the authorities to take necessary measures in order to control al- Faluja. Col. Kemet said that the American forces which besiege al-Falujja are still committed to the fragile cease fire in the city and seek a peaceful solution.

The statements of the American official comes at a time when fighting were renewed in this city between the American Marines and the Iraqi resistance. Explosions and fire exchange were heard in the city.

In al-Khaledyah, to the west of Baghdad, news reports said that 6 Iraqis were killed and other 3 wounded near one of the elementary school in the city in a booby trapped explosion. The American forces blocked the road and deployed its forces in the region.

Also reports from Musil said that five Iraqi police men were killed and two other wounded when gunmen opened fire at their patrol before they had fled.

In Najaf city, one of Muqtada al-Sader aides threatened of a violent answer against the Americans if they will enter the city.

Clashed were also renewed in al-Najaf where one woman was killed and other 5 Iraqis were injured in a fire exchange between the American occupation soldiers and members of al-Mahdi army.

In another development, the German minister of the interior stressed that two security employees were killed as they were guarding a diplomatic procession and were considered as lost since several weeks.