Updated at 6:40 p.m. EST, Jan. 28, 2008

Five American soldiers were killed during a combined attack today in Mosul. Overall, 21 Iraqis were killed and another 17 were wounded across the country. In Basra, two Arab nationals were killed during a bombing as well. Also, Sadrists are urging their leader Muqtada al-Sadr not to renew a cease-fire that ends next month.

In Mosul, five U.S. soldiers were killed died during a combined roadside bomb and small arms attack. This comes as Iraqi troops arrive there to battle in what’s believed to be al-Qaeda last urban stronghold in the country. This comes just days after a massive explosion left 60 dead and 280 wounded.

In a separate incident in Mosul’s Sumar neighborhood, three civilians were wounded. Meanwhile clashes and helicopter attacks picked up in the city today as Iraqi troops descend on Mosul to eradicate suspected al-Qaeda targets there. South of town, two policemen were killed and two more were wounded during an armed attack.

In Baghdad, two dumped bodies were found. A minibus carrying a funeral procession struck a roadside bomb, which then killed three people and wounded 10 in the New Baghdad district. Two Iraqi soldiers were wounded during security operations. An Awakening Council member was killed by a bomb left in his car. Fire engulfed the central bank building, but no casualties were reported. Also, a protest demanding better housing was held in front of the Green Zone.

The mayor of Samarra was arrested under suspicion for aiding armed groups.

An Awakening Council leader was released in Muqdadiyah after he proved he was innocent of charges leveled against him.

A weapons cache was found in Tal Afar.

Sadrists urged Muqtada al-Sadr not to renew a ceasefire that ends next month. The ceasefire is believed to have reduced the number of deaths in the country significantly.

Combine U.S.-Iraqi forces killed 13 suspects in Zelig. U.S. forces detained 18 suspects north of Baghdad. Another 15 were captured in Diwaniya. Also, 40 suspects were arrested in Baghdad.

Compiled by Margaret Griffis