Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

An explosion targeting a U.S. military patrol in a Baghdad suburb has left at least one person dead.

The U.S. Central Command, which directs all military operations in Iraq, has not yet commented on the attack that occurred on a road leading to Baghdad International airport Thursday morning.

News reports quoted witnesses as saying the explosion damaged a civilian vehicle and killed an Iraqi man.

An American military officer at the site (Captain Sean McWilliams) told reporters it was not immediately clear if the blast was caused by a grenade or an explosive device placed on the road. The officer said a number of U.S. personnel were also wounded, but the extent of their injuries is not yet known.

U.S. forces have come under almost daily attacks in central and western Iraq, killing at least 20 American troops since combat was declared over on May first. On Wednesday, one Marine died and two others were injured when their light armored vehicle crashed. U.S. military officials said Thursday the soldiers were responding to reports of an ambush that left three Marines injured.

Meanwhile, British authorities are investigating this week's killing of six British troops in southern Iraq.

The latest attacks come as Syria raises criticism of U.S. security in Iraq, demanding the return of five detained Syrian border guards. Syria's Foreign Ministry said Thursday it has received no response from U.S. officials after issuing a formal protest against the detention. The ministry said the five guards should be returned to avoid any misunderstandings that could lead to escalation.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.