A local policeman said the blast occurred shortly after 9 am near the deputy council chief's office as Americans approached.

US soldiers were also present at the meeting and police said there had been casualties among them.

One of the Americans worked for the US State Department, while the other was employed by the Department of Defence, a US embassy spokeswoman said.

The US military confirmed the attack but did not reveal any details.

A member of Sadr City's local council said the explosion went off inside the room of the deputy head of the council.

Police said the deputy was among the wounded.


Seven civilians were injured also, police said.


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