'Nine killed' as US jets bomb Fallujah

US warplanes and artillery units bombed the Sunni insurgent stronghold of Fallujah today, killing at least nine people and wounding 12 others, hospital officials and witnesses said.

US warplanes and artillery units bombed the Sunni insurgent stronghold of Fallujah today, killing at least nine people and wounding 12 others, hospital officials and witnesses said.

The US military had no immediate comment.

Witnesses said the bombing targeted the city's al-Shurta neighborhood, damaging buildings and raising clouds of black smoke.

Dr Adel Khamis of the Fallujah General Hospital said at least nine people were killed, including women and children, and 12 others wounded.

Witnesses said US warplanes repeatedly swooped low over the city and that artillery units deployed on the outskirts of the city also opened fire.