DATE=9/13/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ / ATTACK (S-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-307466

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=BAGHDAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S officials have apologized for what they are calling a friendly fire incident near the Iraqi town of Fallujah. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Baghdad, that at least eight Iraqi police and one Jordanian security guard were killed in the incident, and nine others were wounded.

TEXT: The coalition's chief military spokesman (Lieutenant-Colonel George Krivo) Saturday expressed deep regrets for the incident, and said an investigation had been launched, headed by a U-S Army brigadier-general.

The apology came as angry residents of Fallujah buried their dead, firing shots into the air and shouting anti-American slogans. Local clerics in the predominantly Sunni city declared a one-day strike and three days of mourning beginning Sunday. They also issued a declaration demanding the U-S forces leave the city.

The coalition spokesman said the casualties occurred during a three-hour firefight with unknown forces. Local officials said the uniformed policemen were chasing suspected thieves when they came under fire from coalition forces in the middle of the night.

Hours later, two American soldiers were killed and seven wounded in a clash in nearby Ramadi. On Saturday two U-S soldiers were wounded by a grenade in Ramadi, and four were injured by an improvised bomb near the northern city of Mosul. (SIGNED)

NEB/SB/DW/TW