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Iraq seeks to quell city violence Battle 'marks new Iraq campaign'
(about 2 hours later)
Seventy-one bodies, apparently the victims of sectarian violence, have been found dumped at locations in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, police say. The Iraqi army has reportedly killed 30 militants and arrested several others, including a number of Sudanese nationals, in a gun battle in Baghdad.
Earlier, at least three people were killed in bomb attacks in the city. State TV said the firefight took place near Haifa Street, a Sunni district which housed top officials during Saddam Hussein's regime.
The renewed violence came as the prime minister promised to take action against all illegal armed groups in the capital, regardless of affiliation. The engagement in the centre of the city is believed to mark the start of a new security drive in the capital.
Nouri al-Maliki said the plan would be implemented by the Iraqi army, supported by US forces. Iraq's PM has pledged to take action against all illegal armed groups.
Twenty-seven of the 71 bodies that were dumped in Baghdad were found near a Sunni shrine in the central Sheikh Marouf area. Earlier, 71 bodies, apparently the victims of sectarian violence, were found dumped at locations in Baghdad.
Police said they were the victims of execution-style killings. Twenty-seven were left near a Sunni shrine in the central Sheikh Marouf area. Police said they were the victims of execution-style killings.
Elsewhere, at least two people died when a parked car exploded near a fuel station in the Doura district. Elsewhere, at least two people died when a parked car exploded near a fuel station in the Doura district of the city.
In another incident, a car bomb was detonated beside the motorcade of a senior police official, Major-General Ali Yasser. He survived, but a bystander was killed.In another incident, a car bomb was detonated beside the motorcade of a senior police official, Major-General Ali Yasser. He survived, but a bystander was killed.
Meanwhile, the US military said its forces had killed four suspected insurgents and detained a fifth in the city. It said all five had been armed, and that they were suspected of involvement in making roadside bombs.Meanwhile, the US military said its forces had killed four suspected insurgents and detained a fifth in the city. It said all five had been armed, and that they were suspected of involvement in making roadside bombs.
'No refuge''No refuge'
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the new security plan would be implemented by the Iraqi army, supported by US forces.
Mr Maliki said the new security plan would create inconveniences for the people of Baghdad, but it was for their own good.Mr Maliki said the new security plan would create inconveniences for the people of Baghdad, but it was for their own good.
In a speech to mark Iraqi Army Day, he said: "We will rely on our armed forces to forcefully implement the plan and the multinational forces will support our forces."In a speech to mark Iraqi Army Day, he said: "We will rely on our armed forces to forcefully implement the plan and the multinational forces will support our forces."
Bush may send thousands more US troops to BaghdadHe added: "There will be no refuge from this plan for anyone who is operating beyond the law, regardless of their sect or their political affiliation."Bush may send thousands more US troops to BaghdadHe added: "There will be no refuge from this plan for anyone who is operating beyond the law, regardless of their sect or their political affiliation."
The announcement comes only days before President George W Bush is due to outline his new strategy for Iraq. It comes only days before President George W Bush is due to outline his new strategy for Iraq.
He is widely expected to send thousands more troops to Iraq, despite calls from the new Democratic Party leaders of Congress for the US to begin withdrawing its forces.He is widely expected to send thousands more troops to Iraq, despite calls from the new Democratic Party leaders of Congress for the US to begin withdrawing its forces.
Mr Maliki also said his government could review relations with any country which criticised the execution of ex-leader Saddam Hussein.Mr Maliki also said his government could review relations with any country which criticised the execution of ex-leader Saddam Hussein.
Mr Maliki said the hanging was a "domestic affair" for the benefit of Iraq's unity, adding that the former president had received a fair trial.Mr Maliki said the hanging was a "domestic affair" for the benefit of Iraq's unity, adding that the former president had received a fair trial.
Mobile phone images showing Saddam Hussein being taunted appeared on the internet days after the execution.Mobile phone images showing Saddam Hussein being taunted appeared on the internet days after the execution.
Several Sunni Arab countries have criticised the hanging as sectarian.Several Sunni Arab countries have criticised the hanging as sectarian.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said it had turned the former leader into a martyr.Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said it had turned the former leader into a martyr.