Iraqi forces backed by American soldiers swept into a troubled, predominantly Shiite city south of Baghdad before dawn today, and the US military said as many as six militia fighters had been killed.

US troops today pounded the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah with airstrikes and tank fire, as the Iraqi government appealed to residents to expel “foreign terrorists” to prevent an all-out attack.

US troops pounded the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah with airstrikes and tank fire, and the Iraqi government appealed to residents to expel ”foreign terrorists” to prevent an all-out attack.

US forces battled insurgents around the rebel stronghold of Fallujah today as militants ambushed and killed nine Iraqi policemen returning from training in Jordan.

US forces battled insurgents around the rebel stronghold of Fallujah today after two American soldiers died as their helicopters crashed south of Baghdad.