Increased U.S. airstrikes in Iraq killing more civilians

• US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,081[MORE] 

A surge in US airstrikes within densely populated areas of Iraq has led to a dramatic rise in civilian casualties. According to the Washington Post, ever since an attempted crackdown on Shi'ite militias by the Iraqi government in March, which led to increased attacks on the Green Zone in Baghdad that killed some Americans, the US military has been firing missiles almost every day into the crowded Shi'ite slum of Sadr City. Residents describe the attacks as indiscriminate and say they have led to many civilian deaths. However, the US Army states that they choose their targets carefully and often refrain from firing for fear of civilian casualties. "On Wednesday, eight people, including two children, were killed when a U.S. helicopter opened fire on a group of Iraqis," the Post reports. "The U.S. military said in a statement that it had targeted men linked to a suicide bombing network. 'Unfortunately, two children were killed when the other occupants of the vehicle, in which they were riding, exhibited hostile intent," the statement said."CNN reports further on Iraqi victims of US gunfire, noting that "anger against the Americans is only increasing." [MORE]

• Pictured above:  A man grieves over the body of his son, a member of a neighbourhood patrol who was killed during clashes, in a hospital in Baquba, 65 km (40 miles) northeast of Baghdad May 25, 2008. [MORE]