Iraq launches new attack against Sadr near Basra

LA Times:

Artillery fire and bomb blasts shook a militia-held district in the southern city of Basra today as U.S. and British forces backed up Iraqi troops launching a new offensive in the area.

The fighting was concentrated in Hyaniyah, in western Basra, a stronghold of Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr and his Mahdi Army. Witnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns said Iraqi forces were trying to wrest control of the area from the Mahdi Army, known by its Arabic acronym JAM.

"JAM tried to prevent them from entering, but fierce air strikes enabled the Iraqi Army to take over control of the main streets and roads in Hayaniyah," one witness said.

A British military spokesman in Basra, Capt. Chris Ford, said the battles marked the start of a "new phase" in the offensive launched March 25 by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki against Shiite militias.

Hyaniyah has been surrounded by Iraqi forces for several days, but today's actions marked the first time they had attempted to take over the neighborhood.

Ford said Iraqi forces had entered Hyaniyah after the initial bombardments by U.S. and British forces. "There were violent clashes with gunmen there" when the Iraqis moved in, he said.

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Others in the media have continued to underplay the success of the Iraqi army in the Basra area. That is a misreading of the facts on the ground and demonstrates an ignorance of warfare. As the Iraqi army continues to control real estate they are getting more control over the population and most Iraqis seem to be enjoying it. Vendors are selling music CDs against as well as alcohol. More importantly they are getting control of their ports.