Iraq town clashes leave 20 dead

As many as 20 people have been killed in clashes between coalition forces and Shia militia in southern Iraq, military leaders say.

Fierce fighting took place in Amara, Maysan province, during the operation, which also targeted Majar al-Kabir.

A statement from the coalition forces' headquarters in Baghdad said six people had also been injured in the clashes.

The Ministry of Defence said British troops had provided logistical support but none had been injured.

Iraqi officials said as many as 36 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the fighting, which lasted for two hours before dawn on Monday.

'Terror network'

Police said the clashes took place in the neighbourhoods of al-Mulameen, Um Ghurba and al-Qatta'a, in eastern Amara, as well as in the Mijar area, about 20 miles west of the city.

A coalition forces statement said the raids targeted a "secret cell terrorist network" which was helping bring in weapons and recruits from Iran.

Ground forces used air support to tackle enemy fire, it said.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman in London said UK involvement had been minimal, with British forces only providing logistical support for the mission.

The British formally handed over control of the province of Maysan to the Iraqi authorities earlier this year.