BAGHDAD, Iraq – At least two more American soldiers are dead after gunbattles in Baghdad, ending a four-day period in which no U.S. forces were killed.
Two soldiers of the 1st Armored Division (search) were killed in the Al Rashid district of Baghdad Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command reported. Later Thursday, a fierce gun battle broke out in central Baghdad, with at least one American casualty.
A translator with them was wounded.
The number of U.S. forces killed in combat since May 1, when President Bush declared major fighting over, now stands at 55.
Thursday's gun battle erupted when a U.S. Humvee (search) was attacked by rocket-propelled grenades. The soldiers returned fire into a two-story building, and at least eight more Humvees joined the fight. There was heavy machine gun and automatic rifle fire. Two helicopters hovered above.
One soldier was seen being evacuated from the fire zone. U.S. forces stormed the building and emerged about five minutes later carrying their comrade. It was not immediately known if the soldier was killed or wounded.
Before taking the building, the military allowed about 20 civilians inside to come out with their hands in the air. Some carried white handkerchiefs. After the soldiers attacked, the building began burning and was gutted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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