Baghdad rattled by mortar attack

The US-led coalition is constantly on the alert for attack

Two mortars have been fired in the centre of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, sparking a security alert at the US-led administration's compound.

They appear to have landed harmlessly at the old information ministry about a kilometre from the compound on the west bank of the Tigris, US troops said.

Loudspeakers urged compound staff to take cover and sirens wailed after the blasts at about 2000 (1700 GMT).

The administration has come under mortar attack several times this month.

Reuters news agency quoted residents near the compound as saying at least two rockets had landed nearby.

A large crater had been blown in the middle of one road but there was no sign of casualties, the witnesses said.

There were reports earlier on Tuesday of small-arms fire in the city, but this may have been Sunni Muslims celebrating the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.