Masked rebels block roads in Basra

Masked Shiite militiamen armed with rocket launchers and automatic weapons poured through the streets of the southern Iraqi city of Basra today, setting up roadblocks to protest at US military action in Najaf.

About 200 militiamen supporting firebrand Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr blocked roads in Basra, where most British soldiers are based, with burning tyres and broken concrete blocks.

Witnesses said most shops were shut and government offices were closed down as a result, but Squadron Leader Spike Wilson, a British military spokesman, said the roadblocks had little affect.

“Iraqi police service is pretty much in control of the centre of Basra,” he said. “There’s certainly not widespread activity and the barricades are only there temporarily.

“When the police and (Iraqi National Guard) move into the vicinity, they seem to disappear.”

US forces have battled Iraqi militants in Najaf since August 5, leaving scores dead. Najaf is home to the Imam Ali Shrine, the holiest Shia site in the country.

Wilson said British units in Basra had reported hearing small arms and mortar-fire overnight, but no casualties were reported.