Iraqi security forces arrest Shiite militia leader

Iraqi security forces arrested a controversial Shiite cleric who leads an Iranian-backed militia, a move apparently aimed at bolstering Sunni support as the Shiite-led government and allied tribes on Thursday battled Islamic militants who rose up in multiple Sunni-dominated cities.

Security forces and tribal fighters clashed with gunmen from al-Qaeda's Iraq branch a day after the militants launched a wave of attacks, fanning out to take over police stations and military posts in at least four cities and towns in western Anbar province.

Militants set up checkpoints in streets and roved through several Anbar towns in security forces vehicles they had seized, waving al-Qaeda banners. (AP)