An Iraqi policeman was killed and another badly injured overnight when unknown attackers fired a rocket-propelled grenade at their checkpoint in the northern city of Kirkuk, police said on Saturday.
"The attack occurred at 9.45pm local time when unknown assailants fired a rocket-propelled grenade on a police checkpoint from a wasteland on the bank of the Al-Khaffa river, east of the city," Lieutenant Colonel Anwar Qader Ahmad said.
Elsewhere, U.S. forces stormed three houses near Saddam Hussein's hometown on Saturday and detained four suspects, two believed linked to the ousted leader's special security force, the U.S. military said, according to The AP.
Also Saturday, U.S. troops arrested seven Iraqis and seized about 50 Kalashnikov rifles during raids near Baqouba.
During one of the Tikrit raids, US troops questioned a man in his 50s who a U.S. commander said had worked in Saddam's Special Security Office. The agency provided security for major regime figures.
The man was led away blindfolded, his hands tied behind his back. His 15-year-old son was released.
"We are satisfied we found the individuals we wanted to," said Lt. Col. Steve Russell, commander of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment of the Army's 4th Division.
The three raids took place about 10 kilometers north of Saddam's hometown of Tikrit. Raids in the area often target those suspected of financing attacks on coalition forces. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
