LOC11:55
08:55 GMT
BAGHDAD, March 25 (KUMA) -- A source at the Iraqi Interior Ministry
confirmed reports of fierce clashes Tuesday in Basra, where Prime Minister
Nouri Al-Maliki is personally overseeing military action, while authorities
are claiming the protests in Baghdad came under gunpoint.
The source told KUNA the clashes started in the early morning between army
forces and armed groups he referred to as "outlaws" in different areas of
Iraq's second city. He said the security forces controlled the situation and
many militants were between dead, wounded, and arrested. The air forces took
part in the fighting, which is part of a wide-scale military action in Basra,
he also said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki announced the "start of military
operations in Basra" and the Multi-National Force said he was supervising the
operations himself.
Al-Maliki is in Basra with both the Minister of Defense Abdelqader
Al-Obaidi and Minister of Interior Jawad Al-Bulani.
While the source would not reveal the identity of the militants,
eyewitnesses told KUNA the clashes were with the Mahdi Army.
The witnesses also said these were the fiercest clashes in the city and
that columns of smoke could be seen in the areas of the clashes. They also
reported heightened military activity since early morning and said ambulances
are taking the injured to hospitals.
On a relevant front, Fardh Al-Qanoon (law enforcement) operations command
said militants forced civilians to close shop and stay home and also closed
the transport stations, under threat of weapon, in Baghdad suburbs yesterday.
The militant's affiliation was not stated.
The Sadr bloc had on its part said it called for the protests in southern
Baghdad.
A command statement said banning civilians from their businesses and
denying access to schools and state facilities constitutes breach of law and
is an act punishable by the anti-terrorism law, pledging protection for
civilians.
Meanwhile, Sadr bloc's representative Nassar Al-Rubeiei said protest was a
civilian expression of opposition to and condemnation of arbitrary raids
against the bloc's figures and members, and is a "peaceful protest."
The Shiite areas of Baghdad suffered increased security tension recently,
as did southern Iraq, with frequent clashes between security forces and
militants of different affiliations.
Al-Maliki had arrived in Basra yesterday and met military leaders to review
the deterioration of the security situation in Iraq's second city and lone
port city.
Basra saw heightened security measures yesterday which included a closure
and ban of vehicles from both entry and exit, in addition to a curfew and
suspension of work at state bodies. (end)
ahh.wsa
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