LOC20:33
17:33 GMT
BASRA, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- The leader of a group known as Jund Al-Sama'a
"soldiers of the Sky" was killed along with the arrest of 21 men in heavy
clashes between armed men and Iraqi security forces which broke out earlier
today in the city of Basra, Iraqi police Director Major General Jalil Khalaf
said on Friday.
Khalaf said in a press release the armed group attacked Iraqi police and
army in the city which resulted in the killing of Abu Mustapha Al-Ansari, the
leader of the group and two of guards along with the arrest of 21 men which
belonged to the group.
The two sides used various weapons during the heavy clashes which also
resulted in the killing of two policemen, injuring four others, and the
destruction of two police vehicles.
For his part, Basra governor Mohammed Al-Wali said the security situation
in the city is now under full control. (Pickup previous)
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