Iraqi Official Says 77 Killed by Cluster Bombs in Basra

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, March 23, 2003

Iraqi Official Says 77 Killed by Cluster Bombs in Basra

Iraqi Information Minister Said Al-Sahaf said Sunday that 77 people were killed and 266 others were injured by cluster bombs in US airstrikes on the southern city of Basra.

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Iraqi Information Minister Said Al-Sahaf said Sunday that 77 people were killed and 266 others were injured by cluster bombs in US airstrikes on the southern city of Basra.

In an effort to dispute an earlier claim by the US White House that cluster bombs dropped on presidential neighborhoods, the Iraqi official reiterated at a press conference that US and British troops targeted civilian areas.

Sahaf said intense fighting is underway in the port city of Umm Qasr, saying Iraqi soldiers are resisting "aggressors" in "a small corner of the country". Umm Qasr is Iraq's only Gulf seaport which is vital for shipping out oil and shipping in aid.

He said US and British forces began to "show hysteria" and "they are being taught a lesson". He also warned that coalition is "in quagmire and will not be able to leave in piece."

Echoing Sahaf's remarks that US and British coalition forces "are suffering 'shock and awe'," an Iraqi military spokesman said Iraqi anti-aircraft units have shot down five enemy jets and two helicopters during the past four days.

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