NEW TACTICS
Despite the drawdowns and falling violence, U.S. commanders say the number of attacks remain too high and that al Qaeda fighters and Shi'ite militias will seek new ways to attack military and civilian targets.
Iraqis have often been angered by what they describe as the heavy-handed use of force by U.S. troops since the 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein, especially in air strikes and by troops travelling in convoys of "Humvee" vehicles.
On Tuesday, two civilians were killed and four were wounded when U.S. soldiers opened fire on a minibus after its driver ignored instructions, including a warning shot, to stop at a checkpoint in Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
One police source said the bus was carrying finance ministry employees through Baghdad's northern Shaab district. Another police source put the death toll at four, including three women. Witnesses reported seeing at least one body lying in the street.
U.S. soldiers also opened fire on a vehicle which approached a checkpoint at high speed in Baiji, 180 km (110 miles) north of Baghdad, on Monday, killing two civilian men inside, the U.S. military said.
A child found wounded in the vehicle died later despite receiving medical treatment.
"Multi-National Force-Iraq deeply regrets when any Iraqi civilian is injured or killed, and our condolences go out to their families," a military spokesman said.
The shooting took place after two suspected insurgents were killed in raids targeting al Qaeda around Baiji.
In Ramadi west of Baghdad, U.S. forces also shot and killed the civilian driver of a vehicle who failed to stop at a checkpoint on Sunday, the military said.
U.S. and Iraqi officials announced on Monday that formal talks between Washington and Baghdad would begin next year on their future relationship after a U.N. mandate for the multinational force in Iraq ends.
