Several injured after troops fire on Iraqi protest

US troops opened fire today during an Iraqi demonstration outside the main gates of the presidential compound in Baghdad.

The protesters said there were several casualties.

Hundreds of Iraqis had gathered outside the gates and began throwing stones at the soldiers guarding the sprawling complex.

Gunfire rang in response, an AP photographer at the scene said.

The demonstrators scattered as the shooting started. Journalists also retreated under a hail of stones, said photographer Victor Caivano.

The reason for the protest was not immediately clear, but demonstrations outside the Republican Palace have happened frequently since the coalition captured the Iraqi capital in April.

Today’s protest coincided with the birthday of former President Saddam Hussein’s eldest son Uday.