Conflicts between tribes and government forces intensifies in Iraq

Iraqi satellite television channels report that tribal forces in Fallujah have taken over a high way connecting Baghdad to Ramadi. A large number of Maliki forces have disobeyed orders to bomb and shell civilian in residential areas and have defected to the tribal forces.

Some 37 soldiers in Garmah area turned put down their weapons and joined the tribal forces. Mohammad Hussein, an Iraqi army colonel and 15 of his soldiers also surrendered to the tribes turning their weapons over to them.

