Violent clashes erupt between Al-Mahdi militias, security forces in Iraq

KUNA ^ | May 16 2007

[ASC2006]

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.

[Marine_Uncle]

Ok. Here is a good test. Lets see how the Iraqi army and police will handle this case. Will they for instance rush in the appropriate mobile forces to gain total control over the Mahdi elements or screw around in a few pitch battles with Sadr forces believing they have got away with something.