Troops pour into south Iraqi city

Correspondents say Amara has witnessed fierce inter-Shia fighting

Iraqi troops and police backed by US forces have been sent to the southern city of Amara in a fresh operation against Shia gunmen, officials say.

Iraqi army tanks have been patrolling major streets in the city and the security forces set up checkpoints.

Correspondents say the new operation is the latest drive by Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki to impose his authority.

Hundreds were reported killed in March in battles which began in Basra and spread to Baghdad and elsewhere.

A main militia leader, Moqtada Sadr, has ordered his Mehdi Army followers to observe a ceasefire, but the authorities say attacks by Shia militiamen have continued.

Helicopters dropped leaflets on Amara, the capital of Maysan province, urging residents to stay at home and not to interfere with the operation.

A spokesman for US forces declined to give details other than saying it was led and planned by the Iraqis.

British troops transferred security control of Maysan to Iraqi forces in April 2007, but correspondents say the province has witnessed fierce inter-Shia fighting.

Meanwhile, a female suicide bomber wounded at least 34 people north of Baghdad on Saturday.

She reportedly blew up near a cafe where football fans were celebrating Iraq's 2-1 win over China in a World Cup qualifier.