Iraq says deadline for Shiite fighters 'successful'

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

AMARA, Iraq (AFP) — Dozens of Shiite militiamen surrendered to Iraqi forces on Wednesday hours before a deadline set by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki for them to lay down their arms ahead of a new military crackdown.

Officials said the four-day deadline given to the fighters in the southern oil rich province of Maysan was successful although some militants had escaped ahead of the crackdown set to begin at midnight (2100 GMT).

"The deadline has been very successful. We have received many weapons, especially today," Defence Minister Abdel Qader Jassem Mohammed told AFP.

Mohammed said some militiamen had ran away before the start of the operation but that "many" others were still in Amara, the capital of Maysan province.

Brigadier General Saad...