Baghdad mortar attack kills seven

BAGHDAD, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- At least seven people died Sunday in Iraq in fighting between militants and U.S. forces near the Shia slum of Sadr City in Baghdad, it was reported.

The mortar attacks also injured at least 31, including women and children, BBC News reported.

The attack came as Iraqi leaders met after nearly two months to discuss a political crisis that has left nearly half the Cabinet posts empty, the BBC said.

The resignation, primarily by Sunni Cabinet ministers, centers in part on Sunni detainees held without charge, said Iraq's Sunni Vice-President, Tareq al-Hashemi.

The withdrawal of al-Hashemi's party from government affairs has stalled passage of important security legislation, paralyzed the government and heightened tensions around Iraq, the BBC reported.