At least 11 people were killed Wednesday when gunfire broke out after a roadside bombing in a Shiite stronghold in eastern Baghdad near Sadr City, Iraqi police said. Two Iraqi officials said the shooting occurred about 5:30 a.m. in the Obeidi neighborhood after three roadside bombs targeted joint U.S.-Iraqi troops.
Meanwhile, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani joined other Iraqi officials in denouncing the use by an American sniper of a copy of the Quran for target practice. He said the May 9 incident angered and disappointed all Iraqis, according to a statement by his office, cited by the AP.
Jalal Talabani said leaders of U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq had a duty to "educate" their troops on the need to respect all religions and holy books.
