iraq, canadians shot by us

U.S. troops fire on Canadian envoy's car in Iraq

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. troops in Iraq fired warning shots at the Canadian envoy's car on Tuesday after his convoy failed to slow down while approaching an American military convoy, the U.S. military said on Wednesday.

A statement said the shots were fired inside the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the Iraqi government and diplomats and is the headquarters of the U.S. military.

"The Canadian ambassador's vehicle did sustain damage yesterday from U.S. military gunfire," said the statement.

"The rear guard on a U.S. convoy signaled the vehicle to stay back. After it failed to do so and continued moving toward the convoy from behind, warning shots were aimed at the front of the vehicle, away from the passenger area."

The U.S. military said there were no injuries.

"The incident is under review to determine why it was necessary to fire warning shots," said the statement.

Iraqis often complain that U.S. troops are too quick to fire. American soldiers, who have come under attack by suicide bombers in cars, say they give motorists ample time to slow down before firing shots.