BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) — Apart from crime, corruption, crumbling infrastructure and a shattered economy, the U.S.-led coalition faces daily attacks by Iraqis opposed to the American presence. In the latest attack, a roadside bomb exploded about 300 yards from the main U.S. base in Saddam’s hometown, Tikrit, killing a female soldier and wounding two other Americans, U.S. officials said.

Late Wednesday, a soldier from the 1st Armored Division was shot and killed while on patrol in the al-Mansour district of western Baghdad, the U.S. command said.

Their deaths brought to 89 the number of American soldiers killed by hostile fire since President Bush declared an end to major combat May 1.

In Samara, 60 miles north of Baghdad, troops of the 4th Infantry Division found 14 weapons caches Wednesday, confiscating 60 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, as well 200 grenades, 150 mortar rounds, 60 mortar tubes and seven heavy machine guns.

Iraqi police opened fire Wednesday in the heart of Baghdad and in northern Iraq to disperse protesters complaining of corruption in the distribution of scarce jobs.