Iraqi, US forces sweep into southern Shi'ite city

Diwaniya (Iraq), Apr 6: Iraqi and US troops today moved into the southern city of Diwaniya, a stronghold of Shi'ite militia loyal to anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, in an operation to curb the militia's increasing influence.

The US military said in a statement that Operation Black Eagle aimed ''to disrupt militia activity and return security and stability of the volatile city back to the Iraqi government''.

Residents and an Iraqi security source in Diwaniya told Reuters a curfew had been imposed and that troops were blocking streets and conducting house-to-house searches.

The security source said police in the city, many of whom are suspected of being infiltrated by Sadr's Mehdi Army militia, had been ordered to stay at home.

''There were clear instructions for local police not to report to work today. The security forces are from outside the city,'' the source told Reuters.

Diwaniya, 180 km south of Baghdad, has witnessed fierce street battles between US-led forces and Mehdi Army militiamen in recent months.

Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has vowed to target militias and Sunni insurgents in a major new security crackdown aimed at curbing sectarian violence in Iraq that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The crackdown is focussed on Baghdad, epicentre of the violence, but the government has said it will start spreading to other cities.

US and Iraqi forces have detained or killed hundreds of Sadr's supporters in the past few months.

''Instead of showing instability and bowing to intimidation, the Iraqi government and its security forces have taken action and boldly responded to the militia threat,'' the military statement said, quoting Colonel Michael Garret, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in the area.

A security source in Diwaniya said clashes erupted in the southern parts of the city where Mehdi Army militiamen are most powerful. Medical sources said four civilians were wounded.

Some residents welcomed the operation and said the militias have been ruling the city through fear.

''It is good they have started this operation because we have been living in fear recently. We could not go out after dark or allow our children to go outside on their own,'' said Ali Hassan, 45, a worker with seven children.

''Even though this operation means I will not be able to work and bring food to my family, at least I will have security.''

Reuters