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81 killed in Iraq clashes

BAGHDAD: Hard-pressed Iraqi Government forces were forced to strike a truce with Shia militia fighters on Tuesday, after violent clashes in a town south of Baghdad left at least 81 dead.

Meanwhile, as Iraq reeled from a three-day bout of bloodshed, sectarian attacks killed at least 10 persons and a pipeline exploded near Diwaniyah, incinerating at least 36 civilians.

Since Saturday, when Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki hosted a peace conference for tribal leaders, Iraq has been battered by firefights, murders and bombings, in one of the most violent periods of recent months.

Four U.S. soldiers killed

The U.S. military on Tuesday announced the death of four U.S. soldiers, bringing to 12 the number of troops that have died over three days.

Two soldiers died in separate incidents from wounds received in ``enemy action'' on Sunday in the western Al-Anbar province of Iraq, according to a statement from coalition headquarters.

The two casualties brought to 10 the number of servicemen to have died as a result of wounds sustained on Sunday. — AP, Agencies

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