US military still probing Iraqi cult battle near Najaf

One of hundreds killed in the battle near Najaf. Conflicting reports have labelled those involved as pilgrims, cult members or villagers. 1200 more have been 'detained', including women and children.

BAGHDAD, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Friday it was still investigating who its troops and Iraq's security forces fought last weekend in clashes in which hundreds of people were killed.

The Iraqi government's account of the battle near the holy city of Najaf has generated conspiracy theories among bloggers sceptical of its suggestion that those killed were members of a messianic Muslim cult plotting to kill top Shi'ite clerics.

"We are investigating who we engaged there. We are not going to say anything as there is still an ongoing investigation," U.S. military spokesman Major Steven Lamb told Reuters, adding that this was standard practice after any major engagement.

But a week after the battle amid orchards and houses north of Najaf, mystery shrouds exactly who the fighters were and what triggered the day-long battle in which a U.S. attack helicopter was shot down, killing its two crew.

Hundreds of people arrested in the aftermath, including women and children, are under guard. Journalists were not allowed to visit the scene of the fighting until Thursday, four days after the battle, and only then accompanied by soldiers.

Read the rest at Reuters/Alternet

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