Blasts reported in Baghdad

Explosions were heard in Baghdad tonight as the US military said it was conducting an anti-rebel operation called Iron Justice.

American commanders said they had planned operations over the Christmas period after receiving intelligence that there might be rebel attacks.

Since the capture of Saddam Hussein on December 13, the 1st Armoured Division has conducted raids on cells in Baghdad.

Asked about the repeated explosions, a military spokeswoman said that operations were under way, including “aerial activity and artillery”.