Iraqi forces ready for assault on Shiite militias

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

AMARA, Iraq (AFP) — Iraqi forces have completed their deployment in the southern city of Amara ahead of a planned offensive against militia groups in the Shiite stronghold, a top commander said on Monday.

"The military is fully deployed to ensure total control of the city without leaving any gaps for the militants to flee," said a statement quoting General Nasir al-Abadi, a senior Iraqi commander from the defence ministry.

Iraqi forces supported by US troops began amassing on Saturday in the province of Maysan and its capital Amara for a planned crackdown on militiamen, many believed to be linked to hardline Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Iraqi army officials have however declined to give troop numbers.

Abadi said the security forces are calling on...