Six die in Iraq Shia cult clashes

At least six people have been killed in clashes between police and members of a Shia cult in the southern Iraqi cities of Nasiriya and Basra, officials say.

The fighting began after members of the Soldiers of Heaven attacked police positions and other Shia groups.

Clashes between the cult and Iraqi troops last year left 263 people dead.

The violence comes as thousands of Shia in Iraq take part in the festival of Ashura - one of the holiest events in the Shia religious calendar.

The ceremonies are due to reach a peak on Saturday with commemorations in the city of Karbala, south of Baghdad.

News Source : BBC News