16 civilians dead in Baghdad

Baghdad: Iraqi troops backed by US forces battled Shiite fighters in Baghdad's Sadr City neighbourhood despite a cease-fire between the government and the militia.

Hospital officials said at least 16 Iraqi civilians died and nearly 100 were wounded in the fighting.

The US military said that fierce fighting broke out overnight in Sadr City, a stronghold of fighters loyal to Muqtada Al Sadr.

The fighting began after Iraqi troops backed by US soldiers and attack helicopters tried to advance into the area.