Iraqi PM gives Basra gunmen 3-day ultimatum

[unhappycamper]

Iraqi PM gives Basra gunmen 3-day ultimatum
By Qassim Abdul-Zahra - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Mar 26, 2008 6:51:55 EDT

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s prime minister on Wednesday gave gunmen in the southern oil port of Basra a three-day deadline to surrender their weapons and renounce violence as clashes between Shiite militia fighters and Iraqi security forces erupted for a second day.

The violence in Basra, the gravest challenge to the Iraqi government in months, has claimed at least 40 lives, officials said. Simultaneous clashes in Baghdad killed at least 15 people.

Suspected Shiite extremists also unleashed rockets or mortars against the U.S.-protected Green Zone in central Baghdad for the third day this week. Three Americans were seriously injured in the attacks, U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Mirembe Nantongo said.

A mortar or rocket round that apparently fell short also struck a minibus in the mainly Shiite district of Karradah, killing at least two passengers and wounding seven others, according to police and hospital officials.

Sadiq al-Rikabi, who is an adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, said gunmen who fail to turn over their weapons to police stations in Basra by Friday will be targeted for arrest. He added that they also must sign a pledge renouncing violence.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/03/ap_iraq_ultimatum_032608/

[tekisui]

1. That should go real well.

"You have three days to arm yourselves and get into position."

[Breeze54]

2. I don't think they're listening and this violence is spreading into Baghdad...

I guess the escalation isn't working after all. :eyes: