No let-up in Iraq uprising (it's a mess and getting worse)

[UpInArms]

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=915932004

A BRITISH soldier died and five others were injured in Iraq yesterday when intense fighting erupted in Basra, leading to the suspension of oil production in the southern city.

Two British Army Land Rovers were destroyed by rocket-propelled grenades fired by followers of the rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on the fifth day of clashes between Shiite militants and coalition forces.

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Armed followers of Sadr roamed the streets of Basra and controlled major intersections yesterday, witnesses said. Most shops were shut and most employees in the city did not go to work.

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The Sadr threat coincided with mortar attacks by his militia in Baghdad against the oil ministry and threats against the State Oil Marketing Organisation, both situated near the al-Mahdi army stronghold of Sadr City.

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As the situation across southern Iraq continued to deteriorate, it emerged multi-national forces have given up control of two provinces to US marines because of the worsening violence in Najaf, the Polish military said yesterday.

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