Baghdad, Oct 28, IRNA - Iraqi government is to take over control of security in the Shia province of Karbala from the US early next week.

According to Iraqi officials and the US commander in the area, US troops will remain in reserve positions to assist if called upon.

Karbala, 80 km south of Baghdad, has been relatively calm but has seen terrorist violence since US occupation.

In August, at least 50 people were killed in clashes between security forces and Shia fighters during a religious festival in Karbala city.

Karbala will be the eighth of Iraq's 18 provinces to come under Iraqi control despite a declared plan that the process would be complete by November.

... Payvand News - 10/28/07 ...