New fighting erupts in flashpoint Iraqi Sunni stronghold

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2004

FALLUJAH, Iraq (AFP) — US aircraft pounded suspected insurgent positions in the Sunni Muslim bastion of Fallujah for a second day, but US commanders said they were still committed to ongoing peace talks.

US helicopters and planes rained missile and machine-gun fire onto several buildings after heavy battles broke out in the north of the besieged city, according to an AFP correspondent and a US military spokesman.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen rising from the buildings in the afternoon as the helicopters made repeated raids and as US marine snipers fired at unknown targets in the apparently deserted streets.

Wednesday night, CNN said US bombing had resumed.

US Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, speaking to reporters in Baghdad, insisted the marines...