U.S. launches major offensive in Iraq
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-05 15:56

Elsewhere, insurgents fired a mortar round that missed an American base on the western outskirts of Baghdad but struck a home, killing a child and wounding the mother and another one of her children, police 1st Lt. Ahmed Ali said.

Gunmen shot and killed Tarik Hasan, a former colonel in the Iraqi air force, as he drove through Baghdad on Thursday, said police Capt. Talib Thamir. Rumor has spread through Baghdad that Shiite "hit squads" are hunting former air force officers, especially those who fought Shiite-led Iran during the 1980-1988 war.

Despite the security crisis, families turned out in parks around the capital, putting aside their fears to celebrate the Eid holiday. In the Shiite district of Sadr City, children lined up for rides at small amusement parks. Security by police and local militias remained tight to protect people from bombs and drive-by shootings.

"We cannot fully enjoy Eid because of all the explosions we hear," said Karar al-Aboudi, 25, owner of a stall near one park. "We have no reason to celebrate under occupation and terrorism. We pray to God that in the next Eid, our country will be stable and free."