A US soldier died last night after being shot in the back by a sniper while on patrol in Baghdad.
After the shooting and two explosions in the city, scores of heavily armed US troops swept through central Baghdad, sealing off roads and searching houses.
Faced with widespread crime and a wave of attacks, the US- led administration in Iraq said it issued an order outlawing the incitement of violence against occupying forces and Iraqi citizens, and would set up a new criminal court.
At least 41 soldiers have been killed by hostile action since May 1st, when US President George W. Bush declared major combat operations over in Iraq. The US military blames the attacks on gunmen loyal to ousted President Saddam Hussein.
"A 1st Armored Division soldier died of a gunshot wound early this morning," a US army statement said. "The soldier, who was taking part in a patrol, was sitting in a military vehicle when he was struck in the back by a small caliber bullet."
In a separate incident overnight, a car exploded in western Baghdad, and residents said a woman and young girl had been killed. They said the blast happened at an intersection where US troops manned a checkpoint earlier in the day.