44 killed in clashes in Iraqi city of Kut

KUT, Iraq, March 27 (AFP):

At least 44 people were killed in clashes Thursday between Iraqi and US forces, and militiamen in the central Iraqi city of Kut, police chief Abdul Hanin al-Amara told AFP. “The security forces launched an operation at around midnight to take back areas under the control of gunmen,” Amara said. “At least 40 gunmen and four policemen were killed. Around 75 people were wounded. Police have now imposed full control on these neighbourhoods.”