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Iraqi security forces fight militants in Anbar province Iraqi security forces fight militants in Anbar province
(about 1 hour later)
Special forces in Iraq are fighting jihadist militants who have reportedly taken over swathes of two cities.Special forces in Iraq are fighting jihadist militants who have reportedly taken over swathes of two cities.
The clashes with fighters from the al-Qaeda linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) are taking place in Fallujah and Ramadi. The clashes with Sunni fighters from the al-Qaeda linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) are taking place in Fallujah and Ramadi.
Both cities are in the province of Anbar where Sunni militant activity has been on the rise.Both cities are in the province of Anbar where Sunni militant activity has been on the rise.
Meanwhile a suicide car bomb in the town of Baladruz killed at least 12 people, according to local officials.Meanwhile a suicide car bomb in the town of Baladruz killed at least 12 people, according to local officials.
The bomb went off outside car showrooms in the town, which is 73km (45 miles) northeast of Baghdad.The bomb went off outside car showrooms in the town, which is 73km (45 miles) northeast of Baghdad.
Sunni Arabs in Iraq claim they have been targeted and politically marginalised by the Shia-led government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a charge the prime minister denies.
In Anbar province, a senior police officer was quoted on Thursday as saying ISIS fighters had seized at least 10 police stations and had freed a number of prisoners.In Anbar province, a senior police officer was quoted on Thursday as saying ISIS fighters had seized at least 10 police stations and had freed a number of prisoners.
ISIS fighters have posted videos of themselves burning government vehicles, setting up checkpoints and issuing challenges to the authority of the Shia Prime Minister, Nouri Maliki. ISIS fighters have posted videos of themselves burning government vehicles, setting up checkpoints and issuing challenges to the authority of Mr Maliki.
Sunni tribal fighters have also taken to the streets, with reports that some are fighting on the government side.Sunni tribal fighters have also taken to the streets, with reports that some are fighting on the government side.
Also on Thursday, authorities arrested a Shia militia leader in what may be seen as an attempt to appease Sunni sentiment.Also on Thursday, authorities arrested a Shia militia leader in what may be seen as an attempt to appease Sunni sentiment.
Wathiq al-Batat is the commander of the Mukhtar army, a recently formed Shia militia which was implicated in a rocket attack last week.Wathiq al-Batat is the commander of the Mukhtar army, a recently formed Shia militia which was implicated in a rocket attack last week.
Attacks stepped upAttacks stepped up
On Monday tensions in Anbar were heightened when security forces broke up a Sunni anti-government protest camp in Ramadi.On Monday tensions in Anbar were heightened when security forces broke up a Sunni anti-government protest camp in Ramadi.
As well as the breaking up of the protest camp, the arrest of a Sunni MP at the weekend raised tensions.As well as the breaking up of the protest camp, the arrest of a Sunni MP at the weekend raised tensions.
Sunni Arabs in Iraq claim they have been targeted and politically marginalised by Mr Maliki's government, a charge the prime minister denies.
Ten people died when the government moved against the camp in Ramadi on Monday.Ten people died when the government moved against the camp in Ramadi on Monday.
In April, a raid by security forces on a similar protest camp in the northern town of Hawija left 44 civilians and one policeman dead.In April, a raid by security forces on a similar protest camp in the northern town of Hawija left 44 civilians and one policeman dead.
The move by the authorities came after Mr Maliki said the protest camp had "turned into a headquarters for the leadership of al-Qaeda".The move by the authorities came after Mr Maliki said the protest camp had "turned into a headquarters for the leadership of al-Qaeda".
Extremist Sunni militants linked to al-Qaeda subsequently stepped up attacks across the country, while Shia groups began deadly reprisals.Extremist Sunni militants linked to al-Qaeda subsequently stepped up attacks across the country, while Shia groups began deadly reprisals.
The UN says 2013 was the deadliest year in Iraq since 2008, with at least 7,818 civilians and 1,050 members of the security forces killed in violent attacks.The UN says 2013 was the deadliest year in Iraq since 2008, with at least 7,818 civilians and 1,050 members of the security forces killed in violent attacks.