United States forces launched attacks on Friday in the Sunni insurgent stronghold of Fallujah and in nearby villages, killing at least 30 people and wounding 40 others, the military and hospital officials said.
The strikes began on Thursday and stretched into Friday and targeted allies of terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, separate military statements and witnesses said.
Dr Ali Awad of the Fallujah General hospital said 30 people were killed and more than 40 were injured, including women and children.
The military said intelligence showed up to 60 suspected enemy fighters may have been killed.
Religious leaders used loudspeakers at the Fallujah mosque to call on residents to donate blood as tearful and angry people at the hospital denounced the United States and chanted ”God is great.”
Residents were digging mass graves to bury the dead.
US forces pulled out of Fallujah after a three-week siege in April that left hundreds dead and devastated much of the city.
Since then, rebels have only tightened their grip on Fallujah. – Sapa-AP