LOC15:47
12:47 GMT
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)
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