Militants hit back after Fallujah loss

Rebels reeling from the loss of their base in Fallujah struck back with car bombings and a rocket attack on Baghdad’s Green Zone as a US official admitted that security in some areas was deteriorating so badly “it would now be difficult” to hold elections there.

Iraqi forces backed by American soldiers raided one of the country’s most important Sunni mosques as worshippers were leaving after Friday prayers – part of a crackdown on militant clerics opposed to the US-led attack on Fallujah. Witnesses said at least three people were killed and 40 arrested.