Three US soldiers killed by roadside bomb

A roadside bomb near a US military convoy in a residential area of southeast Baghdad today killed three US soldiers, an Iraqi national guardsman said.

Sgt Ali Muhsin said at least one American was also wounded in the explosion. It was the first major attack against American forces in Iraq since the US-led coalition transferred sovereignty to an Iraqi interim government yesterday.

Major Phil Smith of the 1st Cavalry Division confirmed the explosion but provided no further details. He said he believed the victims may have included US Marines. He had no further information.

A US soldier at the scene said several soldiers were wounded or killed in the attack when a roadside bomb hit the lead vehicle.

Footage from Associated Press Television News showed blood inside a slightly damaged Humvee and a flak vest laying in the road.