Nearly 230 killed in Iraq clashes: AFP tally

BAGHDAD, March 29 (AFP):

Almost 230 people have been killed in Iraq since fierce clashes between militants and Iraqi troops broke out five days ago, according to an AFP tally based on reports by security officials. Unconfirmed reports put the death toll much higher. Fighting has raged since Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Tuesday ordered security forces to raid strongholds of militiamen mostly loyal to radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, in the port city of Basra. Subsequent street battles have left hundreds more wounded. Fighting was reported in some Basra neighbourhoods on Saturday for the fifth straight day, with at least 23 people killed since hostilities began, according to Iraqi security officials and aid organisations.

Source: dawn.com/