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Imminent military crackdown on Iraqi city of al-Amarah

BAGHDAD, June 13 (KUNA) -- A large Iraqi military convoy is heading toward Al-Amarah city in southern Iraq amid a crackdown on wanted armed militants, Iraqi security sources said on Friday.
The sources who asked not to be identified told KUNA that there are 200 tanks and armory units from Iraqi First Battalion which moved from Basra city toward Al-Amarah for redeployment there, adding that all administrative borders were closed except for one route which falls under heavy security inspection.
Meanwhile, a high ranking security source said new checkpoints were also implemented on the main road inside Al-Amarah, including one main eastern road in the city which leads to the borders with Iran.
Eyewitnesses said the heavy deployment operation to outskirts and entrances of the city was not accompanied by heavy fire and clashes similar to what happened in the city of Basra recently.
The sources said the operation is targeting 500 armed men who fled to Al-Amarah from other cities, adding that among those wanted are militia commanders and local leaders.(end) mhg.mb KUNA 131547 Jun 08NNNN