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Basra clashes with Shia cult Six die in Iraq Shia cult clashes
(about 1 hour later)
Clashes have broken out in the southern Iraqi city of Basra between police and members of a Shia cult, officials say. At least six people have been killed in clashes between police and members of a Shia cult in the southern Iraqi cities of Nasiriya and Basra, officials say.
Reports speak of gun battles, but there have been no confirmed casualties. The fighting began after members of the Soldiers of Heaven attacked police positions and other Shia groups.
Police say the gunmen are members of Soldiers of Heaven - a group led until a year ago by a man who claimed to be the Mahdi, a Shia messiah figure. Clashes between the cult and Iraqi troops last year left 263 people dead.
The clashes come as thousands of Shia in Iraq take part in the ceremonies of Ashura - one of the holiest events in the Shia religious calendar. The violence comes as thousands of Shia in Iraq take part in the festival of Ashura - one of the holiest events in the Shia religious calendar.
The ceremonies are due to reach a peak on Saturday with commemorations in the city of Karbala, south of Baghdad.The ceremonies are due to reach a peak on Saturday with commemorations in the city of Karbala, south of Baghdad.