Region | Iraq

Iraq assembly readies for emergency session

Mehdi army fighters take over Nassiriya as lawmakers prepare to hold an emergency session over Basra's crisis.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 09:26 March 28, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Mehdi Army fighters loyal to cleric Moqtada Al Sadr hold their weapons while flashing the Victory sign in Basra.
  • Image Credit: Reuters
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Baghdad: Mehdi Army fighters took over Iraq's Nassiriya city in the Dhi Qar province on Friday as lawmakers prepared to hold an emergency session to address the crisis in Basra.

A witness said that the Shiite fighters stormed Nassiriya, armed with machineguns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Militants have also taken control of the town of Shatra.

Baghdad remains under curfew until Sunday amid clashes between the military and Shiite militia in Basra that has spread across the south and left at least 100 people dead.

Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki on Friday extended his deadline for Basra militants to surrender, giving them until April 8 to hand over their weapons.

Two US officials have been killed in attacks over two days, prompting the US embassy to instruct staff to remain indoors and wear protective clothing.

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