54 Iraqis dead while fending off simultaneous convoy ambushes
Dec.1: Iraqis inspect a burned-out car in Samarra after U.S. forces used battle tanks and cannons to fight their way out of two ambushes.
SAMARRA, Iraq — In the deadliest reported firefights in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, U.S. forces killed at least 54 Iraqis and captured eight others while fending off simultaneous convoy ambushes Sunday in the northern city of Samarra.
At least five U.S. soldiers, 18 Iraqi attackers and a civilian were injured.
Just minutes later, two South Korean contractors were killed nearby in a third ambush, part of what U.S. officials called a new campaign aimed at undermining international support for the occupation.
Attacks on Saturday had killed seven Spaniards, two Japanese diplomats and a Colombian oil worker.
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