US troops fire on Iraqi demonstrators
US troops have opened fire on a demonstration of former Iraqi soldiers in Baghdad, killing up to three people.
The Iraqi protesters were demonstrating outside the main gates of the presidential compound in the capital.
The former soldiers lost their jobs when the American administration decided to disband the Iraqi army after occupation.
They were at the complex to demand payment of salaries since the army was disbanded on May 23rd.
Hundreds of protesters gathered and began to throw stones at soldiers guarding the complex. They also attacked a Reuters television crew filming the demonstration.
The protest coincided with the birthday of deposed leader Saddam Hussein’s son Uday.
The Iraqis scattered as soon as US soldiers opened fire.
The presidential palace compound has been the scene of many demonstrations since the coalition seized control in April.
US troops have launched fresh attempts in Iraq to locate weapons of mass destructions and supporters of the former regime and claim to have arrested 400 people since last Sunday.
Human rights groups are calling for investigations into two large-scale shootings by American troops that took place in the town of Fallujah in April.
