"We usually celebrate Ramadan at the end of the month. Now we are celebrating in the beginning after these infidel Americans were shot down," taxi driver Abdullah Hissein said.

As more US helicopters patrolled over this typical Iraqi farming village on Monday, he said: "Now we want to take them down as well."

Anger has been boiling up in Baisa, located in Iraq's Sunni Muslim heartland from where Saddam drew much of his support, in the weeks leading up to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Iraqis said US troops, who often come under attack from roadside bombs or rocket-propelled grenades in the nearby town of Falluja, had swept through the village hunting guerrillas.

People who failed to provide information on fighters were arrested after US troops conducted aggressive searches, several villagers said.

"I know of several people who were arrested, including the local cleric and his family," farmer Kareem Mansour said.

"They put sacks over people's heads and took them away."

US officials have repeatedly blamed fighters loyal to Saddam and Muslim militants who cross the border from neighboring countries for attacks that have killed at least 136 American troops since President Bush declared major combat over on May 1.

A few Baisa residents said they knew of a Syrian man who trained guerrillas. Others said Saddam's supporters were behind the violence.

They said US troops made even more enemies on Sunday night.

"They just shoot at anything. They heard a noise and then they shot at one of our cows. When we stood on the roof and shone a light, they shot the lamp," said Hussein Issawi, a customs official.

Residents said US troops tried to win over children with candy. But it didn't work.

"The children took the sweets and fooled the Americans," said Maher Abbas, a farmer.