Al-Sadr Militia, Sunnis Clash; 15 Killed

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/93-10272005-561185.html

Al-Sadr Militia, Sunnis Clash; 15 Killed


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite militiamen loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr clashed Thursday with Sunni militants in fighting that killed at least 15 people, and three American soldiers died in separate attacks the day before, officials said.

Six Iraqis died and 12 were wounded in other attacks Thursday.

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Police Maj. Falah al-Mohammadawi said the 15 deaths included 14 Madhi Army members and a policeman. He said 14 people were wounded, two policemen and the rest either militia members or civilians. No insurgent casualties were reported.

The incident underscores tensions among hard-line elements in Iraq's rival religious and ethnic communities at a time when the United States is struggling to promote a political process seen as key to calming the insurgency so that U.S. and other foreign troops can go home.