Basra police station attacked

Basra: Iraqi security forces in the port city of Basra faced their first test since British troops withdrew in September when they faced an armed attack against the main police station on Tuesday.

A gang of gunmen attacked the headquarters and mangaged to free on of their comrades during the clash.

"There has been a misunderstanding," said Haider Jaberi, a member of the Sadr movement's political committee. "Police arrested a member of the Mehdi Army and there were consequences. Now it has been resolved and he has been released."

Major General Mohan Al Firaili, commander of Iraqi security operations in Basra said “a gang attacked the headquarters and armed confrontation ensued. As a result the gang managed to free the detainee.''

"We maintain overall responsibility for Basra province and will respond as deemed necessary. Certainly there is no request from General Mohan for any assistance from us," British military spokesman, Major Jamie Halford-Macleod said.