Explosions as US warplanes circle Baghdad

Baghdad, June 3: US jets and helicopters circled over Baghdad amid the sound of explosions and heavy machinegun fire today evening, residents said.

A Reuters journalist saw at least one air-to-ground missile streak through the air before hitting the ground with a bang and a large flash.

The military activity appeared to be centred around the Shi'ite stronghold of Sadr City in northeastern Baghdad, the residents said.

Iraqiya state television said US warplanes were bombarding Habibibya, an area in Sadr City.

There was no immediate comment from the US military which has been hunting four five Britons kidnapped in Baghdad last week and has also staged several raids in Sadr City aimed at a militant cell it says is linked to neighbouring Iran.

Reuters>