Messianic Shiite Cult Clash with Iraq security forces, 56 Killed
Posted on January 19, 2008 - Filed Under Iraq |
Iraqi security forces had their first major challenge in the month since they got control of southern Iraq from US and coalition forces. It was a violent day in Basra but the most accounts thus far, the security forces handled the situation well.
“The Iraqi forces handled themselves extremely well and got the situation under control,” said Lt. Col. Derek Plews, a spokesman for the British military. “This is pretty much how we envisioned them dealing with an incident like this when we handed over security responsibility.”
Fifty-six people were killed and 70 were wounded Friday when fighting broke out in Basra and Nasiriya between security forces and members of a violent Shiite messianic cult, authorities said. Thirteen of the dead and 22 of the wounded were police officers.
Wearing black uniforms and yellow bandannas, the followers of a group that calls itself the Soldiers of Heaven attacked crowds that had gathered to celebrate one of Shiite Islam’s holiest days in Basra, the country’s second-largest city, and in the southern province of Dhi Qar.
CNN has confirmed that Abu Mustapha Ansari, the Basra leader of the followers of Ahmed al-Hasani al-Yamani, a messianic cult, was among those killed.
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