A 3,000-strong militia has been created in the insurgent stronghold of Ramadi, central Iraq, to protect civilians from insurgent violence, a tribal chieftan in surrounding Anbar province told Adnkronos International (AKI), speaking on condition of anonymity.
"The formation of the new militia was decided in conjunction with the US-led coalition, and is aimed at protecting people in the area and repelling terrorist elements," the chieftan said.
On 5 January, a suicide bomber blew himself up at a police recruiting centre in Ramadi, killing around 60 people and injured some 60. Some 1,000 applicants were queuing at a police recruitment drive.
In early December, US and Iraqi forces launched a military operation in Ramadi, which lies west of Baghdad, the day after insurgents staged a show of strength. Residents said hundreds of militants set up checkpoints throughout the city and fired mortars and rockets at US bases and government offices.
http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level.php?cat=Terrorism&loid=8.0.256066382&par=0
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