Radical Shiite cults draw concern in southern Iraq

The group, Abu Ali and other security and government officials say, wants to spark a war among Shiite Muslims.

Officials said the so-called Supporters of the Mahdi disrupted Shiite worshipers last weekend in Basra and Nasiriya and fought security forces, leaving as many as 80 people dead. In similar battles in January 2007, hundreds of members of another cult, Heaven's Army, were killed.

Najaf province spokesman Ahmed Daaibil accused such groups of being terrorists whose aim is "to assassinate the clerics to shake security, stability and the political status of the government."

The extremists are not associated with Al Qaeda, but are a "real source of threat to the stability in southern Iraq," said military spokesman Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner.

All week, police and soldiers have treated the Supporters of the Mahdi as dangerous criminals, raiding homes in Basra and Nasiriya. More than 250 suspects have been held.

Police closed a border crossing and detained at least seven suspects headed to Iran. Stockpiles of ammunition, weapons and explosives also have been confiscated.

Authorities are also examining the group's website, which claims responsibility for the assassination of the Babil police chief, the bombing of a shrine and other violent acts.

The group's bimonthly newspaper, the Straight Path, expresses messianic beliefs and suggests that Mahdi supporters must rise up and "kill the enemies of God until God is pleased," according to an article in the Sept. 27 issue.

The Supporters of the Mahdi group is named after a figure Muslims believe will appear with Jesus to establish peace. Most Shiites believe the Mahdi is their 12th imam and a descendant of the prophet Muhammad who they say went into hiding in 878 and will return. Some cults believe they can hasten his return by spreading chaos.

A 48-year-old Shiite who lives in Zubair, south of Basra, said Supporters of the Mahdi tried to recruit him twice, in 2001 and 2004. The second time, the group had more financial backing, he said.

"I was surprised when this group changed to an armed group and fought the security forces," said the man, who asked that his name not be used because he feared for his safety. "Now I realize I was on the right track when I refused to join them."