Militants blast shrine, engage police in Baghdad vicinity

[bemildred]

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An Iraqi Police source also told KUNA violent armed clashes erupted today at dawn between armed groups in the heart of the capital, Baghdad, and there are reports of many dead and injured.

The source said Mahdi Army militia and other militants engaged in fighting in Al-Fadhel area in central Baghdad and the reports indicate losses on both sides. Some civilians were also injured in the fighting that intensified in the early morning hours.

The source said that the confrontations began at 01:00 a.m. this morning and are still ongoing with medium range weapons and RPGs being used.

"Iraqi Police is unable to enter the area and security backup had been requested to control the situation," the source said.

KUNA

[ninkasi]

1. Is it civil war yet?

and what's the good news out of Iraq today? What an unholy mess Bush has unleased in this poor country.

[Barrett808]

3. Things seem to be deteriorating daily

It may not be long before we have a "Green Zone under siege" moment.

[gratuitous]

2. Not to worry

Just a buncha dead-enders that has totally stymied the Iraqi police force. No need to worry that the democratically-elected government of Iraq can't even lay down the law in its own capital. We got them Iraqi forces standing up like wheat in a Kansas field, baby! Ain't nothin' that another lightning visit from Der Bushler won't fix.