Mahdi Army

Mahdi Army, also known as the Mahdi Militia, Mahdi Army or Jaish al Mahdi (Arabic جيش المهدي), is a militia force formed by Iraqi Shiite imam Muqtada al-Sadr in June 2003. Islamic militants became internationally famous in the world on 4 April, 2004 when they led the first armed confrontation against the forces led by the U.S. occupation in Iraq from the Shiite community in an uprising that occurred after the closure of al-Sadr's newspaper and attempts to arrest him. This confrontation lasted until June 6.

The group is armed with AKM assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, mortars, surface-to-air missiles Strela, and other light weapons. Mahdi militiamen also use a homemade explosive device known as the edge of the bombs in their attacks against Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. The ceasefire agreed in June followed by attempts to disband these militias and turn al-Sadr's movement into a political party to participate in elections in 2005. Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his Mahdi Army to cease fire unless they were attacked first.

This truce failed in August 2004, with the outbreak of new battles. Mahdi militia currently operating to intimidate the Iraqi people, using their weapons are not legal to influence local government, infiltrated the police, and terrorize the Iraqi Sunnis and their supporters. The militia is believed to have infiltrated the Iraqi police force and was involved in safety oversight activities. Party of National Independent Cadres and Elites who participated in the 2005 Iraqi elections is closely related to these forces.