Civilian deaths anger Iraqis

US and Iraqi troops have been accused of killing several civilians during a military operation in Iraq's Maysan province, on the border with Iran.

The troops say they were raiding Iranian-backed fighters and weapons smugglers when they came under attack. A gunfight ensued in which lives were lost.

But Iraqis are angry and they are calling on the central government to punish those responsible for the civilian deaths. (13 Feb 2010)