Iran holds 60 Iraqis for entering its waters

TEHRAN, Mar 4 (Reuters) Iran has detained 60 Iraqis who entered the Islamic Republic's waters in small boats, Iranian state media quoted an unnamed military source as saying today.

The Web site of Iran's state broadcaster said police were holding 35 Iraqis in the southwestern oil and refining port of Abadan. The Iraqis said they had strayed off course while fishing near Iraq's al-Faw peninsula.

The military source did not specify when the Iraqis had been arrested but added that Iranian forces had seized 25 other Iraqis last week in similar circumstances.

Iran has been involved in numerous disputes with its Gulf neighbour over fishing vessels and yachts straying into its waters. In 2004 Iran seized some British patrol boats and their crews, saying they had illegally entered Iranian waters.

REUTERS PM RK0001