Baghdad, Sept 21, SPA -- U.S. warplanes launched missilesearly Tuesday to destroy roadside bombs and mines strewnacross the east Baghdad slum of Sadr City, the site offierce clashes recently between American troops andfighters loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, the U.S. military said. There was no immediate word on casualties. Capt. Brian O'Malley of the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Teamsaid the strikes were carried out at night so as to avoidcivilian casualties. Residents said loud explosions couldbe heard for hours.--SPA1427 Local Time 1127 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/203587