US soldier killed in Iraq ambush

A US soldier has been killed and five wounded during an ambush in the central Iraqi town of Falluja.

The 82nd Airborne Division patrol was hit first by an explosive device, and then by small arms fire at around 1300 local time, said the US armed forces.

There were unconfirmed reports that civilians were also injured in the attacks.

The latest US casualty brings to around 100 the number of American troops killed in combat since President George W Bush declared an end to major hostilities on 1 May.

Jubilant

It also follows the deaths of two US soldiers in an ambush near the northern Iraq city of Kirkuk on Saturday evening.

Troops reported coming under fire from rocket-propelled grenades.

Iraqis celebrate the destruction of a US vehicle on Sunday

On Sunday, a US military convoy was attacked - in the same general area of Falluja as the latest ambush - after it was forced to stop because a truck had broken down.

An Iraqi was reportedly killed and at least one other injured when US troops opened fire after the attack, which came after the lorry had broken down.

Television pictures showed a US military vehicle, believed to be an ammunition lorry, in flames - while a crowd of jubilant Iraqis gathered at the scene.

"Falluja has destroyed the Americans," some men shouted.