Shiite, Sunni Clerics Shot Dead in Iraq

[leftchick]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=764065

BAGHDAD, Iraq May 17, 2005 — Gunmen killed a Shiite Muslim cleric on Tuesday while two missing Sunni clerics were found shot dead, police said. U.S. troops clashed with militants in Mosul, according to reporter on the scene.

The cleric killings threaten to increase sectarian tensions in Iraq a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari vowed to crack down on anyone targeting Shiites and Sunnis. His threat came amid a spree of violence that has killed more than 450 people since his government was announced April 28.

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Shiite cleric Sheik Mouwaffaq al-Husseini was shot in a drive-by shooting by unknown gunmen while driving in Baghdad's western Jihad neighborhood, police Capt. Taleb Thamer said.

Two Sunni clerics were found shot dead after being kidnapped by men Sunday from different mosques in Baghdad's northern neighborhood of Shaab by men wearing Iraqi army uniforms, a senior police official said on condition of anonymity.