A dozen explosions have been reported in southern Baghdad tonight following a US raid on a
neighbourhood where they encountered gunmen, witnesses said.
The blasts, which were the most sustained in some time in the Iraqi capital, could be heard in central Baghdad.
Residents near the explosions said US forces were engaged in a heavy firefight with gunmen in a neighbourhood called the mechanic district because there are many mechanic shops located
there.
Residents reported some bombing from US aircraft. A US military spokeswoman in Baghdad said: "We cannot comment on ongoing military operations however this is linked to Operation Iron Justice that involves explosions and aerial activity."