Iraqi security forces backed by US troops have launched a crackdown on Shi'ite militias in the southern city of Amara.
The operation follows a four-day ultimatum for Shi'ite militiamen in the region to lay down their arms, which expired on Wednesday. The crackdown is the latest stage of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's drive to take over lawless areas currently under the control of Shi'ite militias and Sunni Arab insurgents. Amara is a bastion of militiamen loyal to radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
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Iraqi troops deployed in fresh clampdown on militias ...
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38 militants killed in clashes with US-Iraqi forces ...
al-Maliki claims success against Shiite militants ... Welle)
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