Six British troops die in incident north of Basra

Six British troops were killed in eastern Iraq today and several more were wounded in two separate incidents, government officials…

Six British troops were killed in eastern Iraq today and several more were wounded in two separate incidents, government officials said.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's spokesman said the clashes occurred near the city of Amarah, around 200 km north of Iraq's British-controlled second city, Basra.

"We very much regret to confirm that in one incident six British personnel have been killed," the spokesman told reporters.

He could give no further details.

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In a second confrontation, he said, British paratroopers on patrol came under fire. One was wounded and two vehicles were destroyed.

A rapid reaction force was helicoptered to the scene but also came under attack on landing. Seven people were wounded, three of them seriously.

"All were extracted by helicopter and are receiving treatment," the spokesman said.

Mr Blair was told the news a few hours ago and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is expected to make a statement to parliament tomorrow, when details are clearer. "There are still investigations going on," Mr Blair's spokesman said.

US forces were attacked in Baghdad and other parts of central Iraq overnight and that at least one Iraqi was killed in the fighting.

Gunmen fired assault rifles and grenades at US troops in the town of Falluja, 45 miles west of Baghdad, hitting a power supply facility, witnesses said.

One Iraqi man was killed when the soldiers returned fire, they said, but it was not clear if the man was one of the attackers. There were no reports of US casualties.

Residents of Ramadi, 60 miles west of Baghdad, reported another attack but there was no word on casualties.

A US convoy driving through al-Zawra'a district of Baghdad last night came under attack from unidentified gunmen.

Residents said the attack sparked a 15-minute firefight but it was unclear if any one was hurt. There was no immediate comment from the US military on the attacks.

The United States has accused followers of Saddam Hussein of launching attacks in recent weeks. The deposed president is widely thought to be still alive and on the run in Iraq.

Agencies