US occupation forces have retaken control of the eastern Iraqi town of Kut, two days after Ukrainian troops withdrew from the city after clashes with Shi'ite militiamen.
Residents said Friday American troops are in control of the center of the town, and convoys of US armored vehicles have been seen on roads to the area.
Meanwhile, new firefights between Polish and Bulgarian soldiers and Shiite fighters in Karbala killed 15 Iraqis, while six Iranian pilgrims were shot dead at a Polish checkpoint, Aljazeera reported.
These incidents took place a day before millions of Shiites are expected to converge on Karbala for the holy day of Arbain.
The Thursday night clashes also injured 21 Iraqis, said Salah Mahdi, head of Karbala's health department.
The six Iranians were shot dead on the road between Babel and Karbala as their vehicle approached a Polish checkpoint, a Karbala police spokesman said.
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
