German spies 'aided US'

BERLIN - German spies in Baghdad helped United States bombers to confirm at least one target during the 2003 Iraq war despite Berlin's assertion that it was not involved at all in the conflict, German television reported.

NDR television said two agents of Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency supplied US military counterparts with information.

"They gave us direct support. They gave us information for targeting," a former US military official was quoted as saying.

He cited an April 7, 2003, raid on a Baghdad suburb where Saddam Hussein was thought to be staying, conducted after a BND officer confirmed that limousines were parked outside a building.

At least 12 civilians were killed in the attack.

The programme said the BND confirmed that two agents remained in Iraq but denied they had been involved in targeting bombs.

- REUTERS