BAGHDAD — Officials in the southern city of Samawah said a U.S. Army convoy opened fire Sunday in an unprovoked attack on motorists who were trying to get out of its way, injuring four and destroying a truckload of sheep.
In Baqubah, the capital of Diyala province northeast of Baghdad, three U.S. soldiers were killed Sunday in an assault involving a suicide vest, the military said. The military released no further details, but witnesses in the city, where American troops had lengthy battles with insurgents this summer, said there appeared to be military casualties when a roadside bomb exploded near a group of children clustered around soldiers on foot patrol. Three children were killed and seven others were wounded in the incident.
The U.S. military apologized for the incident in Samawah, the capital of Muthanna province, saying in a statement that two civilians were killed and four injured. Local officials said there were no deaths.
The incidents came on a day when insurgent attacks against military targets, police and a public official left at least 20 dead in Iraq.
After the Samawah shooting, Muthanna Gov. Ahmed Marzouq said he couldn't understand the behavior of the U.S. forces who, he said, acted inhumanely in firing on motorists who posed no threat and setting the truck of sheep ablaze.
"Usually they open fire when they get attacked or when in danger; however, the zones they passed through were safe," Marzouq said.
He said the troops had entered without notifying local officials, violating protocols laid down when the southern province took over responsibility for its own security in July 2006.
In response, Marzouq said, the provincial council suspended construction projects being carried out by the U.S. military and by two nongovernmental organizations.
"We'll continue this until there is a fair investigation, an official apology and compensation for the victims," he said.
The American military did not address the circumstances of the shooting, but said in a statement, "The coalition forces will work closely with the families, tribal and government leaders in Muthanna to convey our deep regret and ensure the families of those killed, and those who were injured, are properly cared for."
Police and witnesses said the convoy of five Humvees was on the highway from Samawah, 150 miles southeast of Baghdad, headed toward Rumaitha when the shooting began.
