US/Iraqi Forces Kill at Least 250 Insurgents

A daylong battle killed 250 insurgents in a major confrontation in Najaf - another major victory for Iraqi and U.S. forces.

FOX News said, "Provincial officials said the gunmen planned to attack Shiite pilgrims and clerics during ceremonies marking Ashoura, which commemorates the 7th century death of Imam Hussein. Col. Ali Nomas, spokesman for Iraqi security forces in Najaf, said more than 250 corpses had been found at the scene. Army Maj. Gen. Othman al-Ghanemi also spoke of 250 dead but said an exact number would be released Monday."

MSNBC reports, "300 militants were killed in a fierce battle between U.S.-backed Iraqi troops and insurgents allegedly plotting to kill pilgrims at a major Shiite Muslim religious festival."