Iraqi force targets militant group

BAGHDAD, June 13 (UPI) -- A large Iraqi military convoy headed toward Amara in southern Iraq Friday in a crackdown on a reported 500 armed militants, Iraqi security sources said.

The sources told KUNA that 200 tanks and armor units from the Iraqi First Battalion were in the group on redeployment from Basra. Most roads in the city area were closed. New check points were in place, including one main eastern road that leads to Iran, KUNA said.

The sources said the operation was targeting 500 armed men who fled to Amara from other cities and includes some militia commanders and local leaders.