Militias Growing in Power in Iraq

"BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The sun had barely risen over a small Sunni village when Shiite militiamen, some wearing black, launched a raid, ostensibly to free hostages. Interior Ministry troops joined the fight. After several hours, more than 20 people were dead.

Details about what happened Oct. 27 in Medayna, 45 miles northeast of Baghdad, vary depending on whom you ask. But the violence underscores a disturbing and dangerous trend in Iraq: the growing role and power of militias and their contribution to rising sectarian tensions.

Sunni insurgents openly target Shiites. In response, many Sunnis maintain their community has come under threat from militias with links to Shiite political parties.

The violence erupted when militiamen from the Mahdi Army, loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, raided the village to free hostages who they say were kidnapped by Sunni Arabs there. Medayna residents insist the attack was unprovoked."
MyWay