BAGHDAD - Iraqi Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has threatened a nationwide “civil revolt,” as security forces engage in heavy fighting with militia from the cleric’s Mahdi Army.

A statement read Tuesday by one of Sadr’s aides said the cleric would launch the revolt if attacks against members of his movement do not stop.

Iraqi officials say fierce fighting Tuesday between government security forces and Shi’ite militias in the southern city of Basra has killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 18 others. It is the first day of a major military operation targeting militia factions in the south.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing columns of smoke shortly after the fighting erupted.

Police Tuesday imposed curfews in several southern cities, including Hilla, Kut and Samawa. A curfew is already in place for all of Basra province.

Fighting also erupted in the capital, Baghdad, between suspected Mahdi fighters and members of a rival Shi’ite faction.

In other violence, police say two bombs exploded in central Baghdad, killing one civilian and wounding eight others.

British military officials in Basra say Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is in the city to oversee the military offensive. The tensions add further strain to a seven-month cease-fire called by Sadr.

In other news, the U.S. military says coalition forces killed five suspected militants and wounded several others in Basra late Monday. A military statement says the suspects were spotted burying what appeared to be explosive devices.

The U.S. military in Iraq also says two children were killed and two civilians were wounded on Sunday when an improvised explosive device detonated north of Baquba, in Diyala Province.

Also in Diyala on Sunday, the military says multinational forces killed at least four suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members and detained eight people during two engagements.

Source:  VOA News