Curfew imposed in Basra as Maliki visits

By Wisam Mohammed

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki reviewed security operations on Monday in the southern oil hub of Basra, where authorities imposed a night-time curfew after clashes between police and Mehdi Army militia.

Rival factions of Iraq's Shi'ite majority and criminal gangs are competing for control of Basra, Iraq's second city and gateway to the Gulf, along with its oil fields which are the source of most government revenues.

"Basra is subjected to unjust attacks and many parties from inside and outside are taking part in this. The attacks target the security and stability of the city," said Maliki, who traveled with his top security ministers.

"The federal government because of its commitment to support the regional government in Basra decided to re-impose security, stability and law in this city."

Two powerful Shi'ite factions, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council and the followers of Moqtada al-Sadr, are fighting for power in Basra with a smaller Shi'ite party, Fadhila.

Criminal gangs are also vying for control of lucrative oil-smuggling routes at a time when Iraq, which has the world's third-largest reserves of oil, is trying to boost exports.

The power struggle has been marked by assassinations and kidnappings. The city's police chief has escaped a number of attempts on his life.

CURFEW IMPOSED AFTER CLASHES