US, Iraqi forces kill 250 in Najaf battle: Police

Najaf (Iraq), Jan 29: US and Iraqi forces killed 250 gunmen in a fierce battle involving US tanks and helicopters on the outskirts of the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf today, an Iraqi police officer said.

The day-long battle was continuing after nightfall, Colonel Ali Nomas told Reuters. Shi'ite political sources said the gunmen appeared to be both Sunni Arabs and Shi'ites loyal to a cleric called Ahmed Hassani.

Reuters