Dozens die in clashes across Iraq

March 26, 2008

Shi'ite militias have been vying for control in several cities ahead of upcoming provincial elections. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has travelled to Basra to oversee military operations to impose government control. He says militia fighters would be spared if they surrendered within 72 hours. Shi'ite militias have been vying for control in several cities ahead of upcoming provincial elections. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has travelled to Basra to oversee military operations to impose government control. He says militia fighters would be spared if they surrendered within 72 hours.