ROME/BAGHDAD, March 5 (Xinhuanet) -- US troops killed an Italian intelligence agent in Iraq on Friday as he was on the way convoying an Italian journalist who was freed by her captors to home, triggering strong condemnation in Italy.

    US forces at a checkpoint in western Baghdad opened fire on a car with female Italian journalist Guiliana Sgrena and three Italian secret service officers on it, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi told a press conference in Rome.

    Sgrena was kidnapped in early February and freed by her captorsand handed over to three Italian intelligence officials, said the prime minister.

    "The agent, Nicola Calipari, covered Sgrena with his body; he was hit by a bullet which unfortunately was fatal," he said.

    "We were turned to stone when the officials told us about it onthe telephone," he said.

    Sgrena and two other Italian officials were wounded, said Berlusconi, noting Sgrena was hit in the shoulder. Meanwhile the US military said only two were wounded.

    The Italian Apcom news agency said one of the two wounded officials was in serious condition.

    According to the US military, the car was traveling at high speed toward the checkpoint, and US soldiers shot at it after failed efforts such as flashing white lights to stop it.

    "When the driver did not stop, the soldiers shot into the engine block, which stopped the vehicle," said a statement of the US military.

    BERLUSCONI DEMANDS US EXPLANATION, OPPOSITION LEADERS CRITICIZEGOVERNMENT

    Berlusconi, a strong supporter of the US-led Iraqi war, immediately summoned the US ambassador to Italy Mel Sembler and demanded an explanation, said a statement of the Italian government.

    Sembler, during his one-hour meeting with Berlusconi, said he had asked Washington for an immediate clarification and promised athorough investigation, said the statement.

    Berlusconi sent 3,000 Italian troops to Iraq despite strong domestic opposition.

    The killing of the Italian official drew strong condemnation inItaly which seems to increase the pressure on Berlusconi.

    "This news which should have been a moment of celebration, has been ruined by this firefight," said Gabriele Polo, editor of II Manifesto, a Rome-based daily which Sgrena works for. He called the event "completely senseless and mad."

    "Another victim of an absurd war," commented Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, leader of the Green Party, Apcom reported.

    "It is incredible that a man who was busying himself with the difficult task of saving a life was killed by those who say they are in Iraq to safeguard the life of civilians," said Piero Fassino, leader of the Democratic Party of the Left.

    Senator Gianfranco Pagliarulo called for people to go to the USConsulate in Milan Saturday morning for demonstrating the killing.

    WHITE HOUSE EXPRESSES REGRET

    US President George W. Bush expressed his regret as he called Berlusconi, White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters on Friday night.

    "The president assured Prime Minister Berlusconi it would be fully investigated," said McClellan.

    "I think he (Berlusconi) appreciated that."

    The spokesman failed to comment on what the incident might meanfor the participation by Italy or other countries in the US-led coalition in Iraq.

    "It is premature to get ahead of the investigation," McClellan said. Enditem