Tension runs high in Nasiriya after violent clashes

Nasiriya was plunged into chaos in the wake of Monday fierce exchange. Clashes which pitted Italian troops in US-led coalition forces and Sadr supporters, left 15 Iraqis dead and 12 Italian soldiers injured.

Italian troops are providing the highest level of security in the Iraqi southern city to prevent any attack. Barricades were set up around Italian forces’ base and nobody was allowed to approach to it. Italian soldiers, backed by armoured vehicles, are standing guard in trenches.

Amateur-video footage showed an angry protest of Sadr’s followers before the present clashes. Shiite protestors performed their namaz and then marched carrying green flags amid anti-coalition and pro-Sadr slogans. Some of them were seen carrying weapons and rifles.

Aide to Sadr addressing to large crowd of cleric’s supporters…

“What we are doing is not terror but theirs is terror. We are fighting to save our country for occupation. We are warning US and foreign press that they will absolutely given an explanation for this occupation.”