Many police units stood aside, either out of confusion or sectarian loyalties, according to Iraqi witnesses.

Prosecutors are expected to highlight that problem, calling Iraqi witnesses to show the crime's effect on the town.

Iraqi witnesses said Tuesday that the convoy had been pinned down for some time by the attacking force.

Recovering credible evidence in Iraq's chaos can be very difficult, and Iraqi witnesses are open to challenge.

Two Iraqi witnesses also took the stand, but reporters were barred from hearing them, and officials did not disclose details of their testimony.

The account of the Iraqi witness has not been verified.

One of the men spent some time trying to reassure a nervous colleague, the Iraqi witness said.

One Iraqi witness said they appeared to be encircling the building.

Iraqi witnesses said the soldier who was killed was flung into the street.

Iraqi witnesses said not one child, but four, possibly five, had been killed.