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Fighting reported fallujah explosion in baghdad Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1082978325648_78387525/?hub=TopStorieshttp://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1082978325648_78387525/?hub=TopStories
CTV.ca News Staff
Updated: Mon. Apr. 26 2004 7:42 AM ET
Fighting is being reported in Fallujah between Marines and Iraqi insurgents, as U.S. troops roll into Najaf -- the other major flashpoint in the country.
Thick, black smoke was seen rising from Fallujah's Jolan district where there is thought to be many Sunni insurgent fighters, according to The Associated Press.
U.S. officials have also extended a two-week-old ceasefire in Fallujah for another two days.
In Baghdad, at least one U.S. soldier and several Iraqis were wounded when an explosion levelled a building. Four U.S. Humvees parked nearby were set on fire.
The cause of the explosion is not known. The building was said to be a perfume factory.
Meanwhile, in Najaf, about 200 U.S. soldiers are moving in to replace withdrawing Spanish troops.
Spain's 1,300 troops will be leaving Iraq in a few days, according to Col. Paul White. The withdrawal follows a promise by newly-elected Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for a pullout as soon as possible.
Al-Sadr
U.S. soldiers are also in Najaf to put pressure on a militia army loyal to radical anti-American Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
Overnight, the Al-Mahdi army shelled the base being used by the coalition troops. At least one Salvadoran soldier was injured.
The militia launched a bloody uprising on April 4. Since then, U.S. troops have been surrounding Najaf, but have not launched an attack, which could end up with battles in shrines and mosques considered sacred by Shiites.
Also Monday, al-Sadr has renewed his threats to unleash suicide bombers against U.S.-led forces in Iraq if they do not withdraw their troops, according to Italian newspapers.
"Many, men and women, have come to offer me their lives to defeat the Americans and their allies," al-Sadr was quoted as saying in a telephone interview published Monday in La Repubblica.
Baghdad blast
The blast at the building in Baghdad reportedly came after U.S. troops began to search the building following reports of a weapons repair shop.
The condition of the injured is not known.
AP Television News showed several people being carried out of the rubble. One woman was shown weeping as she was dragged out over a man's shoulder.
Meanwhile, Britain is considering sending more troops to Iraq as Spain withdraws.
© Copyright 2004 Bell Globemedia Inc.
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