US soldiers hurt in Iraq attack

The shooting took place at 1500 (1200 GMT) at a checkpoint under a bridge in the northern city of Mosul. Two policemen opened fire before fleeing the scene in a waiting car.

The US military says the wounded soldiers have been taken to hospital and an investigation is under way. A second interpreter was also injured. Initial reports from Iraqi sources said up to six US troops had been killed, although the US military said only that three were injured.

"Three US soldiers were injured in the attack at an Iraqi police station in Nineveh province along with an interpreter. A second interpreter was killed during the attack," the US military said in a statement, AFP news agency reported.

"The injured personnel were taken to the combat support hospital in Mosul. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause and nature of the attack," the statement said.