Iraqi police are among 12 seized by British forces in Basra raid

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1587764,00.html



British forces launched a fresh crackdown in Basra yesterday when troops seized 12 Iraqis, including police officers, who were suspected of involvement in attacks against coalition forces. snip

The raid took place overnight and at short notice, Brigadier John Lorimer said in a statement. "Some of the individuals we have arrested are linked to militia groups in Basra ... and some are members of the Basra police service. It is very concerning to us that members of Basra police are involved in terrorism. Nobody who has been involved in murdering multinational forces soldiers should be allowed to hide behind their uniform." snip

The arrests will fuel tension which has simmered since British troops stormed the same station last month in an effort to free two undercover SAS soldiers who had been arrested by police. Several Iraqis died in the incident. The provincial governor, Muhammad al-Waeli, was still awaiting an apology and had banned his officials from working with or speaking to the British, a spokesman said on Thursday, before the latest raid.

Iran yesterday rejected the British prime minister's allegation that it had armed Iraqi militias. "The accusations are baseless. Blair is accusing others to cover up Britain's failure to provide security in Iraq," said a foreign ministry statement read on state television.

[tatertop]

1. Calling Rod Serling... where are you

"Nobody who has been involved in murdering multinational forces soldiers should be allowed to hide behind their uniform."