The ongoing US assault on the Sadr City area of Baghdad continues to claim civilian lives. At least eight people, including two children, were killed in overnight clashes between US troops and Shia fighters. The deaths come one day after local hospitals reported at least fifty dead and dozens more wounded from US attacks. On Wednesday, funerals were held for some of the victims. A Sadr City resident said the Iraqi government is unable to stand up to the US occupation.

Resident: ’’Isn’t their conscience shaken for this city which has been in siege for more than a month? What have they done? What have they committed? Are they afraid for their chairs, and that’s why they’re not calling for justice? But we tell them, damn them and their government.’’

Hundreds of Iraqis have died in the more than month-long crackdown on fighters loyal to the Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.