Iraq: Inter-Shiite strife kills 50

Fighting between two Iraqi Shiite factions in the holy city of Karbala killed at least 50 people Tuesday. Members of the Mahdi Army, the armed militia loyal to Moqtada Sadr, exchanged fire with government forces dominated by the Badr Organization, which is the military arm of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, The New York Times reported. Iraq: Inter-Shiite strife kills 50 Thousands of Shiites had come to Karbala for the festival marking the birth of the 12th iman, Iman al-Mehdi. Security was tight because of previous Sunni attacks on Shiite festivals, and Sadr followers accused police of beating pilgrims who chanted slogans supporting him. Street fighting began Monday night. Pilgrims were told to leave the city, but many had trouble getting past roadblocks set up to keep the Mahdi Army out. The government ordered a curfew in Karbala. The fighting spread to some other cities, with at least five people killed in Sadr City, the Mahdi Army stronghold in Baghdad. U.S. forces did not enter the city, although jets requested by the government flew over Karbala.

Iraq: Inter-Shiite strife kills 50

Thousands of Shiites had come to Karbala for the festival marking the birth of the 12th iman, Iman al-Mehdi. Security was tight because of previous Sunni attacks on Shiite festivals, and Sadr followers accused police of beating pilgrims who chanted slogans supporting him. Street fighting began Monday night.

Pilgrims were told to leave the city, but many had trouble getting past roadblocks set up to keep the Mahdi Army out.

The government ordered a curfew in Karbala. The fighting spread to some other cities, with at least five people killed in Sadr City, the Mahdi Army stronghold in Baghdad.

U.S. forces did not enter the city, although jets requested by the government flew over Karbala.