Centre of Baghdad hit by blasts

The Sheraton Hotel was hit by a grenade on Christmas morning

A number of loud explosions have been heard in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

They were followed by the sound of warning sirens at the main compound of the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority in the centre of the city.

A US military spokesman said he was aware of the explosions but had no immediate word on casualties or damage.

Earlier, insurgents carried out a series of attacks in central Baghdad, hitting a hotel used by Westerners and other buildings.

A rocket-propelled grenade was fired at the Sheraton Hotel at first light and another hit a nearby apartment building where two people were injured.

No casualties were reported in the attack.

Correspondents say Thursday's blasts came amid warnings by the US military that insurgents might be planning high-profile attacks over the Christmas period.

Earlier, US troops in Iraq bombarded southern districts of Baghdad in what they said was an attempt to flush out insurgents.

An operation was also taking place to search some 800 households for weapons stockpiles used to attack coalition forces.

In a separate incident, a US soldier was killed in a roadside blast in central Baghdad.

The US military said the soldier from the 1st Armoured Division soldier was taking part in an operation when he was killed.