LOC13:21
10:21 GMT
BAGHDAD, May 16 (KUNA) -- Violent clashes erupted Wednesday in Al-Nasriyah
province among Al-Mahdi Army militias, police and army troops killing and
injuring 25 people with the militias taking over public buildings in
Al-Shatrah, Al-Refai towns and other parts of the governorate.
The clashes broke out after arrest of a leading member of Al-Mahdi militia
members in Al-Gharraf area, for he was accused of setting off explosive
devices targeting the Multi-National Force (MNF) in the province, police said.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Iraqi police Major Feras Al-Zerajawi
said armed men from Al-Mahdi army attacked the house of the chief of emergency
squad using RPGs, avenging arrest of their comrade.
Officials said at least 25 people were killed and wounded in the fighting.
The clashes closed the bridges in Al-Shatrah along with Al-Mahdi army
controlling the police station there.
Witnesses said Al-Mahdi army militias tightened control on Al-Shatrah,
Al-Garraf areas and a number of buildings in Al-Nasriyah city.(end)
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KUNA 161321 May 07NNNN