Birth Defects Linked to US Fallujah Fighting

Iraqi parents and doctors are attributing an upsurge in birth defect problems in Fallujah to a major US military offensive there. Doctors report seeing as many as three cases of birth defects a day now. The US denies a problem exists. "No studies to date have indicated environmental issues resulting in specific health issues," said an American military spokesman.

No scientific studies have been undertaken in the area to examine the problem. But many locals are convinced that an upsurge in defects, particularly cardiac problems, in children born since the 2004 assault are somehow linked to sophisticated American weaponry, reports the BBC.