This version completely contradicts the previous accounts. The Independent article notes:
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This account cannot be substantiated and is drawn from the Healing Iraq website and the authoritative Baghdad daily Azzaman.
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An earlier verson of events from teh NY Times:
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Iraqi forces were surprised and nearly overwhelmed by the ferocity of an obscure renegade militia in a weekend battle near the holy city of Najaf and needed far more help from American forces than previously disclosed, American and Iraqi officials said Monday.
They said American ground troops — and not just air support as reported Sunday — were mobilized to help the Iraqi soldiers, who appeared to have dangerously underestimated the strength of the militia, which calls itself the Soldiers of Heaven and had amassed hundreds of heavily armed fighters.
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Missteps by Iraqi Forces in Battle Raise Questions
It is unclear why the Iraqi government forces needed so much US help if they were involved in a massacre.