US compound in Iraq hit, Iraqis protest for leader release

By: Ismail Zabeeh

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Qatar-based Arab television channel reported Sunday that undisclosed attackers struck with mortar a US military headquarters in Ramadi, west of Baghdad setting the compound on fire, and separately American forces launched raids across Iraq to quell mounting anti-US sentiment.

Before the ouster of Saddam regime, the compound was used as headquarters for the Iraqi Military Intelligence.

According to the US military officials thousands of American troops backed by tanks, planes and helicopters carried out extensive raids early this morning in Falluja city and in at least two other Iraqi cities. No American casualties were reported, and no figures were released for Iraqi casualties.

On Saturday, hundreds of Iraqis demonstrated in the holy city of Karbala against the detainment of their clan leader Sheikh Abdul Khaled Al-Homyri. The protestors were chanting anti-US slogans in front of American troops. Sheikh Al-Homyri has been in custody for over a month.

Meanwhile the military said on Saturday that an Iraqi detained by US troops was martyred and seven were injured when they tried to escape from a Baghdad prison on Friday.

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