BAGHDAD, March 25 (KUNA) -- Multi-National Forces (MNF) said Tuesday it killed five suspects and injured several others in Basra late Monday.
An MNF press release said it bombarded the suspects who were spotted conducting suspicious activity in the Al-Hyyaniyah district in Basra.
The release did not say if the operation was conducted by US or British forces.
The operation is the first to be conducted by the MNF since British forces withdrew from the city in mid 2007.
The operation coincided with the Iraqi government's announcement of starting a wide military operation in Basra, supervised by Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, to chase wanted rebels.
Spokesman of the government said Monday British forces will not return to the city, stressing that the Iraqi authorities will impose security in it. (end) ahh.ris KUNA 251322 Mar 08NNNN