Battle Rages in Baghdad Neighborhood
Iraqi security forces fight gunmen for nine hours, leaving at least three people dead. Some residents, apparently fearing attack, join in.
By Louise Roug
Times Staff Writer
April 18, 2006

BAGHDAD — Intense fighting broke out between Iraqi security forces and gunmen in a volatile Sunni Arab section of the capital, leaving at least three people dead and terrifying residents during a battle that began during the night and extended into the daylight hours Monday.

Authorities said about 50 Sunni gunmen had fought the country's Shiite-dominated security forces for nine hours in the northern neighborhood of Adhamiya, forcing U.S. troops supporting the Iraqi forces to close down streets and entrances to the area.

Some residents entered the clash, exchanging gunfire with Iraqi soldiers and police they believed to be members of a death squad.

"Gunmen" jumped out at me. I noticed years ago that Palestinians aren't rebels or in militias, they are gunmen. And the last line in the excerpt is so sad it's almost funny.

Were the security forces wearing uniforms? I don't think so...I'm certain Iraqi would recognize the uniforms. In a running battle in a Sunni neighborhood, essentially Shiites vs Sunnis, ya damn skippy they thought it was a death squad. May well have been without them uniforms...