Reuters reported earlier today that elements of the 22nd Brigade, 16th Cavalry, opened fire on a group of individuals in a marketplace on the south side of the Iraqi capital. Early reports say as many as 30 individuals belonging to El Queda may have been killed.
Colonel Paul F. Byerlein, of Sequatchie, West Virginia reported that when US troops “accidentally” opened fire on the group, a series of secondary explosions occurred, no doubt caused by the improvised explosive devices hidden on their persons. Debris and detritus rained on the square for several moments after.
"We were just so darn angry," Byerlein said, "we just wanted to shoot something. We mistook them for friendly shoppers. “Lucky for us we had taken cover in a Mosque, said Byerlein, who added that “this is the first operation in this part of the city for us, and frankly, I initially thought we may have blown it.”
Unconfirmed reports estimate that several merchants may have tossed roses and other flowers at the feet of the American soldiers, while chanting, “Allah be praised.”