Attacks by Iraqi cult leave 46 dead

Violence left at least 46 people dead in two major southern cities in Iraq when members of a messianic cult attacked police and fellow Shiite worshippers.

Iraqi authorities said at least 36 people were reported killed in Basra, Iraq’s second largest city, and at least 10 in Nasiriyah, where witnesses said US-led coalition jet fighters and helicopter gunships targeted a police station seized by cult gunmen.

US military spokesman Major Brad Leighton said jet fighters flew over the area in a show of force after Iraqi requested help, but no airstrikes were carried out. Some clashes raged into the night, raising the possibility of more casualties.

The assaults were launched as hundreds of thousands of Shiites observed the Ashoura holiday by marching, singing and beating their chests to honour the martyrdom of the saint. Followers of the cult – the Soldiers of Heaven – seek to speed the return of another Shiite figure known as a “Hidden Imam,” who believers say will bring justice to the world.

A series of recent hi-profile attacks is eroding the security gains of the previous six months, when violence dropped across much of the country.

The main insurgent group, al-Qaida in Iraq, has carried out many of the attacks against fellow Sunnis who have turned against it. But insurgents also struck with deadly suicide blasts this week against Shiites observing Ashoura.

Yesterday’s clashes pointed to a third problem that shows no signs of easing - Shiites attacking fellow Shiites. The attacks were a reminder of persistent divisions within the Shiite community at a time when the Pentagon is claiming some success in calming armed opposition among the Sunnis.