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UK forces clash with Iraq militia Iraq town clashes leave 20 dead
(about 7 hours later)
Up to 20 people have been killed in clashes between joint Iraqi and British forces and Shia militia in southern Iraq, military leaders say. As many as 20 people have been killed in clashes between coalition forces and Shia militia in southern Iraq, military leaders say.
Fierce fighting took place in the town of Amara, Maysan province, during the British-supported Iraqi operation, which also targeted Majar al-Kabir. Fierce fighting took place in Amara, Maysan province, during the operation, which also targeted Majar al-Kabir.
A statement from the coalition forces' headquarters in Baghdad said six people had also been injured in the clashes.A statement from the coalition forces' headquarters in Baghdad said six people had also been injured in the clashes.
UK spokesman Major David Gell said there had been no British casualties. The Ministry of Defence said British troops had provided logistical support but none had been injured.
"We have not yet got the full details, but certainly it was an Iraqi special operations forces operation which had been authorised by the government of Iraq," he said. Iraqi officials said as many as 36 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the fighting, which lasted for two hours before dawn on Monday.
"Multinational forces were supporting," he added.
'Terror network''Terror network'
A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman in London said details about the operation remained "sketchy".
"The only thing I can confirm is that there have been no UK casualties and it was an Iraqi security forces lead with us in support," she added.
Iraqi officials have claimed up to 36 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the fighting, which lasted for two hours before dawn on Monday.
Police said the clashes took place in the neighbourhoods of al-Mulameen, Um Ghurba and al-Qatta'a, in eastern Amara, as well as in the Mijar area, about 20 miles west of the city.Police said the clashes took place in the neighbourhoods of al-Mulameen, Um Ghurba and al-Qatta'a, in eastern Amara, as well as in the Mijar area, about 20 miles west of the city.
A coalition forces statement said the raids targeted a "secret cell terrorist network" which they claim helped bring in weapons and recruits from Iran. A coalition forces statement said the raids targeted a "secret cell terrorist network" which was helping bring in weapons and recruits from Iran.
Ground forces used air support to tackle enemy fire, it said.Ground forces used air support to tackle enemy fire, it said.
A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman in London said UK involvement had been minimal, with British forces only providing logistical support for the mission.
The British formally handed over control of the province of Maysan to the Iraqi authorities earlier this year.The British formally handed over control of the province of Maysan to the Iraqi authorities earlier this year.