Attacks on U.S. Troops in Iraq Push April Death Toll to 48

The fighting in Sadr City began in late March after Maliki launched an offensive against Shiite militias in the southern port city of Basra. Militiamen in Sadr City responded by launching long-range rockets that killed American civilians and soldiers in the Green Zone and at military facilities.

The violence in Basra has waned in recent weeks, but the militias maintain a strong grasp on Sadr City. Sadr's followers there have accused Maliki's government of targeting them indiscriminately and of using military force to weaken their political base ahead of provincial elections set for the fall.

Maliki has denied that the operations are driven by politics and has said that the Sadr movement's participation in the elections depends on its willingness to disarm its militia. U.S. military officials have been circumspect in their characterization of the fighting, saying only that they target lawbreakers.

Maliki noted Wednesday that the nephew of an Interior Ministry official who oversaw operations in Basra had been slain recently in Sadr City and that gunmen had hung his body from an electricity pole.

Sheikhli, the Baghdad security spokesman, said the government had delivered food, medicine and gas to Sadr City residents despite the violence. Food delivery convoys and ambulances have been struck by roadside bombs, he said.

Special correspondent Zaid Sabah contributed to this report.