The U.S. Central Command says U.S. Marines defeated Iraqi forces near the southern city of An Nasiriyah in the sharpest engagement of the war so far. However, the success came with a cost.

Brigadier General Vincent Brooks said about 10 Marines were killed in a faked surrender by Iraqi forces outside of An Nasiriyah.

However, Iraqi military officials claimed earlier that 25 American soldiers were killed in the operation.