Dozens of militants shot dead in Baghdad

The Iraqi army has reportedly killed 30 militants in Baghdad and arrested several others. According to state TV, the gun battle took place in a Sunni district which housed top officials during Saddam Hussein's ruling.

This is believed to be a part of a special security plan against illegal armed groups launched by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

It comes only days before President George W Bush is to outline his new strategy for Iraq.