Iraqi hospital officials say at least seven people were killed and more than 30 wounded overnight in Baghdad's Sadr City district during clashes between coalition forces and Shi'ite militias.

In at least one incident, the U.S. military said it targeted people seen planting roadside bombs.

Sadr City has been the scene of battles between militants loyal to radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Iraqi government forces.

More than 300 people have been killed in the area since late March.

In Baghdad Thursday, Iraqi government officials expressed optimism about the country's political unity and security.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, speaking after a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, said national reconciliation has been a success. He said all political blocs will rejoin the Iraqi government.

Iraq's largest Sunni Arab political bloc, the Accordance Front, pulled out of Mr. Maliki's government in August, saying his Shi'ite-led administration was not making enough concessions to the Sunni minority.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.