BBC: "Iraqi PM vows to tackle militias"

BBC:

Militia members on parade in Sadr City in August Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has pledged to tackle illegal militias, which are widely blamed for the growing sectarian violence in the country. "We will strike hard at anyone who defies the law," Mr Maliki said.

His comments come a day after the US ambassador said Iraqi leaders had agreed to a timetable for achieving key goals, including tackling the militias. Overnight, Iraqi forces raided Baghdad's Sadr City, a militia bastion, hunting a suspected death squad leader. Iraqi forces came under fire and called for backup from US aircraft, according to a US military statement.

"Bout damn time! More from AP/NYTIMES here. Early, first-hand account here.