US forces fire on civilian vehicle, three killed

US forces mistakenly fired on a civilian vehicle outside an American military base north of Baghdad today, killing at least three people, including two children.

A US soldier protecting vehicles returning to a US base in the city of Baqouba fired on a vehicle that he thought was moving erratically, said Maj. Steven Warren of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.

US officials said they knew of at least three deaths in the incident, including two children, but acknowledged that more may have died later from their wounds. Other reports said five people were killed.

“They fired warning shots, but the vehicle kept moving and the gunner had to make a decision and he engaged them,” said Warren.

US troops performed first aid to the victims and later transported them to a nearby hospital, Warren said.

“It was one of these regrettable, tragic incidents and it wouldn’t happen if Zarqawi followers weren’t driving car bombs,” said Warren, referring to terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.