Three car bombs exploded in quick succession in a southern Iraqi city today, killing at least 41 people and injuring 150.

The Shiite militia run by anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr seized control of the southern Iraqi city of Amarah today in one of the boldest acts of defiance yet by the country’s powerful, unofficial armies, witnesses and police said.

Anger over the alleged abuse of Iraqis by British forces prompted Basra Provincial Council to sever relations with the British on Tuesday, while two purported victims demanded compensation from London.

A British soldier was killed today in an explosion in southern Iraq – the 100th to die since the 2003 invasion – Britain’s Ministry of Defence said.

Insurgents are preparing attacks with suicide cyclists and loading bombs on to donkey carts in a bid to thwart measures which will keep cars off the streets during Iraq’s elections, military sources said today.