A barrage of mortar rounds fell on and around a home in the Iraqi town of Baquba early today killing eight people, including seven members of one family.
The mortar attack occurred as the Sunni family were asleep in their garden due to Iraq's constant power-cuts and scorching temperatures.
The death toll included three women.
It was not clear if the home was specifically targeted or the result of a miscalculation by militants, but police sources said the attack took place shortly after US forces had searched homes in the Gatoun area of the town.
Baquba is considered an active insurgent stronghold where tit-for-tat sectarian violence is frequent.
The province has seen the killing or capture of senior militants in recent weeks. US officials have warned of increased violence during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan that began last week.