Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq  

    BAGHDAD, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Three U.S. soldiers were killed in separate roadside bomb attacks in Baghdad, the military announced late Wednesday.

    Two of the soldiers were killed on spot by bombs when they searched a southern Baghdad neighbourhood for booby traps, while awoman soldier died of fatal wound inflicted by another bomb exploded under her vehicle in western Baghdad.

    "The unit was conducting route clearance operations in the areawhen the attacks occurred," the military said.

    The U.S. military and Iraq troops have staged a campaign in thecapital in recent weeks with an aim of putting rampant violence under control.