Intelligence Collection Agency

Iraqi Troops Begin Operation In Militia Stronghold: Iraqi troops fanned out across the Shiite militia stronghold of Amarah Thursday and gunmen tossed their weapons onto the streets or into canals as the government officially launched a military crackdown on the area. It's the fourth such U.S.-backed Iraqi military operation launched against Shiite and Sunni extremists in recent months as Prime Minister Maliki seeks to assert government control over the country ahead of provincial elections, expected in the fall.

Emboldened Iraqi Tipsters Reveal More Weapons Caches: Weapons caches are turning up with increasing frequency in public places in Iraq -- from a bakery to a fish farm as recent security gains embolden more civilians to come forward with tips, U.S. and Iraqi military officials say. "These are people who in the past weren't willing to come forward because of the threats from militias," said Major General Jeff Hammond. "Now they're telling the IA they've had it with the militia."