US, Iraqi forces kill 30 in Baghdad battle

BAGHDAD: US and Iraqi forces killed 30 suspected insurgents and detained 35 more during gunbattles in a Sunni Arab insurgent stronghold in central Baghdad on Wednesday, Iraqiya state television said, citing the defence ministry.   

The US military said earlier the operation was aimed at clearing insurgents from the Haifa Street area, which runs along the west bank of the Tigris river in the heart of Baghdad.

Gunbattles raged for much of the day as troops backed by helicopters and armoured vehicles clashed with gunmen in high- rise buildings in the area.