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US Forces Kill 49 in Sadr City

Iraqi witnesses claim women, children among the dead

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Oct 21, 2007 1:13 PM CDT

(Newser) – The US military said it killed 49 gunmen today in a Sadr City raid aimed at capturing an Iranian-linked rebel leader suspected of kidnapping coalition members and foreigners. But Iraqi witnesses pin the death toll at 13, including two toddlers, Reuters reports. Military officials were mum on whether the rogue Mehdi Army foreman was apprehended.

He is accused of seeking funds from Iran, and abducting a US Army translator, three American troops, and five Britons—including a civilian. Ground forces deny witnessing any civilian deaths in the Shia stronghold, but local hospitals received 12 corpses and 65 wounded, including eight women and children. One official called the raid "simply barbaric."

Ajeel Ali, second left, is comforted by friends after his brother, Ismael, 10, was killed in an overnight raid in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Backed by air power, U.S. forces targeting militants believed to be responsible for the kidnapping...
Ajeel Ali, second left, is comforted by friends after his brother, Ismael, 10, was killed in an overnight raid in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Backed by air...   (Associated Press)
Brothers Erfan Falesh, left, and Chaloob Falesh, right, are visited in the hospital after being injured in an overnight raid in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Backed by air power, U.S. forces targeting militants believed to be responsible for the...
Brothers Erfan Falesh, left, and Chaloob Falesh, right, are visited in the hospital after being injured in an overnight raid in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007....   (Associated Press)
Iraqis carry the coffin of a relative in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City, Baghdad, an apparent victim of an overnight raid on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Backed by air power, U.S. forces targeting militants believed to be responsible for the kidnapping of two coalition soldiers raided the main...
Iraqis carry the coffin of a relative in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City, Baghdad, an apparent victim of an overnight raid on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Backed by air power, U.S. forces targeting militants...   (Associated Press)
Neighbors examine a car destroyed in an overnight raid in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Backed by air power, U.S. forces targeting militants believed to be responsible for the kidnapping of two coalition soldiers raided the main Shiite district in...
Neighbors examine a car destroyed in an overnight raid in the Shiite enclave of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Backed by air power, U.S. forces targeting militants believed to be...   (Associated Press)
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