In other news from Iraq, over 1,000 US troops are fighting in Mosul in an attempt to block the Iraqi resistance from taking complete control of the city. The Los Angeles Times reported mortar attacks hit three police stations in the city, several Iraqis troops and civilians were killed and the Kurdish party headquarters came under attack. The Washington Post quotes a US military commander who claims that 80 percent of Mosul’s police force is no longer showing up for work. In Ramadi, at least nine people have died in fighting between US forces and the Iraqi resistance. Fighting was also reported in Baji, Baqubah, Buhritz and Balad.