Fresh fighting broke out in central Baghdad today as US and Iraqi security forces moved in to a key rebel stronghold in the city.
There were no reported casualties in the clashes, which started shortly before dawn. Several loud explosions and gunfire were heard near the US-occupied Green Zone around daybreak.
Iraqi police sealed off roads leading to Haifa Street, a quarter of Baghdad dubbed 'Little Falluja' by US soldiers, a reference to a rebel stronghold west of Baghdad .
Witnesses said US snipers had taken up positions on the roofs of high buildings as tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and Humvees, along with ground troops and Iraqi National Guardsmen, entered the area.
Haifa Street has seen intense fighting in the last week, as US-led forces try to regain control of rebel zones in and around Baghdad.