WORLD / Middle East

Clashes erupt in Baghdad district
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-04-17 13:45

Heavy clashes erupted overnight in the Sunni Arab district of Adhamiya in Baghdad and heavy casualties were feared, residents said on Monday.

Residents said ambulances were rushing to the northern district and a Sunni politician said he had received calls from people pleading for help.

It is not clear who was involved in the clashes but Sunni officials said they heard from residents that Iraqi forces had fought Sunni insurgents.

"I could not reach work. Adhamiya is cordoned off. There were fierce clashes last night. I head explosions. Fighting is still taking place but it is not as heavy," Adhamiya resident Ghina told Reuters by telephone.

Adhamiya is a stronghold of Sunni insurgents.