Iraq PM announces crackdown in Qaeda bastion

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

AMARA, Iraq (AFP) — Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Monday that troops are to launch a counter-insurgency drive in Diyala province, where 26 people were killed over two days in a suicide bombing and mortar attacks.

Maliki made the announcement as he visited the southern oil-rich province of Maysan where a crackdown aimed at sweeping out armed gangs and militiamen has been under way since Thursday.

Iraqi and US troops have already carried out similar offensives against Sunni insurgents in the main northern city of Mosul and against Shiite militiamen in the southern port city of Basra.

"We are proud to say that the Iraqi government, in spite of all the challenges that it has faced, has been able to chase and confront Al-Qaeda, outlaws and...