Police: Iranian fighters in southern Iraq

NASIRIYAH, Iraq, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Officials in the southern provinces of Iraq say they have evidence to suggest motorcycles rigged with explosives have entered the country from Iran.

Lt. Gen. Sabah al-Fatlawi, the police chief in the southern province of Dhi Qar, said around 20 motorcycles have entered the region from adjacent Maysan province, where intelligence officials have reported unusual vehicle activity near the Iranian border, the Iraqi daily Azzaman reported.

"Intelligence reports have pointed to the entry of at least 20 motorcycles with explosive charges to target provincial officials," he said.

Fatlawi added Iranian-trained militias had begun entering Iraq in groups of 10, moving across the southern provinces.

He said he ordered the arrest of any motorcycle riders traveling in Dhi Qar. Motorcycle ownership has blossomed since U.S. forces overthrew the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003.

Several public officials in the southern provinces of Iraq are opposed to the Iranian regime.