The Iraqi government announced Thursday that military operations have started against Shi'ite armed groups in the southern city of Amarah and surrounding areas.
A statement said provincial police commander Col. Mahdi al-Asaadi had imposed an indefinite curfew on parts of the city, but government offices, schools and colleges wouldn't be affected.
Thursday's announcement followed the expiration of a deadline for fighters in Amarah to surrender their arms or face arrest.
The statement said Iraqi security forces had already found large weapons caches and munitions before the operation started.
