By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The Iraqi resistance delivered a strong blow to the supposed stability and security proclaimed by the government with attacks on key points and confrontation of occupation and police forces.
Intense fighting in southern Basora and Sadr City, attacks on Green zone fortifications and kidnapping of several police officers were the most outstanding during the day in this Arab nation.
At least 23 dead and 60 wounded were the preliminary results of clashes between the police and the Mahdi Army in Basora, medical sources informed.
The police followed an attack of Al Tamiyah, considered stronghold of the Mahdi Army, led by Moqtada al Sader.
According to security reports the resistance took position in the four neighborhoods that control that important city.
Soldiers and police set up barricades in several districts of the important oil city, the second largest, 550 kilometers south of the capital.
In the meantime, in the capital neighborhood of Sadr City, considered an insurgency stronghold, the militia confronted US and Iraqi troops according to witnesses although the number of casualties has not been reported.
Explosions and automatic weapons fire were heard at sunset while US helicopters flew over the area of the battles, said some residents.
In the New Diyala neighborhood, east of Baghdad, six police officers were kidnapped by several armed men traveling in two cars, reported the military.