Preachers flay Quran shooting by US sniper

Baghdad: Sunni preachers on Friday denounced the shooting of a Quran by a US sniper in Iraq despite a series of apologies by American commanders and US President George W. Bush.

The use of Islam's holy book for target practice has triggered an angry response in Iraq and protests in Afghanistan even as US-led forces are working to maintain their alliance with Sunni Arabs who have turned against Al Qaida in Iraq.

"The enemies of Islam have launched their campaign against Islam and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and recently against the Quran," said Shaikh Omar Mohammad during his sermon at a Sunni mosque in Baghdad.

"A bullet that might have shot at an Iraqi believer, was directed toward the Quran instead," Mohammad said.

Target practice

"Do not think this is a defeat for us, but it will create enthusiasm to stand up more for this religion." The US military said Sunday it had disciplined the sniper and removed him from Iraq after he was found to have used the Quran for target practice on May 9.

Iraqi police found the bullet-riddled book two days later on the field of a firing range in a predominantly Sunni area west of Baghdad.

Bush apologised to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki for the incident after several US military officials tried to soothe anger over the shooting, particularly among Sunni Arabs who have become key allies in the fight against insurgents.

Iraq has not seen any street protests over the Quran shooting, but a Nato soldier and two civilians were killed Thursday during a violent demonstration in western Afghanis-tan over the incident.