American helicopter gunships and jet fighters have attacked a mosque in Baiyaa, west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad just before Friday prayers.

"We were unarmed worshippers heading to the mosque for Friday
prayers, and American Apache (helicopters) and tanks bombed the mosque and opened fire on worshippers,'' AP quoted Basim Abu Ali, a witness who lived nearby.

Four people were killed and seven others hurt, witnesses said.

State television also reported a US jet fighter bombed the Ali al-Baiyaa mosque, but gave no further details.

Abu Ali said U.S. tanks and humvees set up a cordon around the building, and forbid civilians to enter or exit. Parts of the mosque were damaged, he added.

MJ/SM/DB