US forces attack rebel targets in Falluja

US forces launched a "precision strike" today on a building in Falluja said to be used by fighters loyal to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi…

US forces launched a "precision strike" today on a building in Falluja said to be used by fighters loyal to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

"Several intelligence sources reported that Zarqawi terrorists were using the safehouse at the time of the strike to plan attacks against Iraqi citizens and Multinational Forces," the US military said in a statement.

Doctors at Falluja's main hospital said at least three people were killed and eight wounded.

The US military says it takes care to avoid civilian casualties, and has accused Falluja doctors of exaggerating casualty reports. But Falluja residents insist civilians are regularly killed and wounded in air strikes.

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Zarqawi's group has claimed responsibility for many of the deadliest suicide car bomb attacks in Iraq since Saddam Hussein was overthrown, and has killed several foreign hostages.

The group has threatened to behead British hostage Mr Ken Bigley unless female prisoners are released from jails in Iraq.