Battles raging in Baghdad

From CNN:

Fierce fighting in Baghdad's Sadr city has claimed a number of lives following the bloodiest day for American forces in four months.

Battles between U.S. troops and militants loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr killed at least 18 Iraqis in the slum district and wounded another 136, according to Iraq's Ministry of Health.

The fighting in Sadr City erupted when militants attacked U.S. forces carrying out routine patrols, said U.S. Army Capt. Brian O'Malley.