Moscow, Apr 02: In the latest sign of US-Russian tensions over Iraq, the foreign ministry alleged today that American airstrikes had targeted a residential Baghdad neighborhood where the Russian embassy is located. US ambassador Alexander Vershbow was called to the ministry to hear a protest over the bombing, the ministry said in a press statement. "The Russian side demanded that the American authorities take urgent and exhaustive measures so that such dangerous and unacceptable incidents are not repeated in the future," the ministry said. The ministry did not report any casualties in today's airstrikes, but said: "The security of the Russian diplomatic representation's staff came under direct threat." Russia's ambassador to Washington, Yuri Ushakov, delivered a similar protest to US officials, it said.

Asked about Vershbow's meeting at the foreign ministry, a US embassy official said that US forces are designating only military targets and using only precision-guided weapons in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Russia's defence minister lashed out at the United States over allegations that Russian companies had provided Iraq with anti-tank guided missiles, satellite jamming devices and night-vision goggles in violation of UN sanctions. The spat has intensified the tensions surrounding Russia's staunch opposition to the war.

Echoing the denials of other Russian officials and analysts, Ivanov said Washington was trying to distract attention from criticism of its military campaign in Iraq.

Bureau Report