Sectarian violence is increasing in Iraq as battles between Sunni Muslims and Shi'ite Muslims have spread throughout the country.
Tensions rose significantly when the golden dome of a Shi'ite shrine in the town of Samarra was heavily damaged yesterday in an explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the act although suspicion has fallen on militant groups like al-Qaeda in Iraq.
In response to the damaged shrine, Shi'ite protesters have taken to the streets and some of the demonstrations have become violent. Shi'ites attacked Sunni mosques throughout the country. Also, there were reports of gunfights between Shi'ite militiamen and guards at a Sunni political party in Basra.
Iraqi security forces are attempting to prevent further violence. Approximately 500 government troops were sent to Sunni neighborhoods in Baghdad to prevent further violence between the two sects.
Meanwhile, the government is attempting to determine who was responsible for damaging the Askariya shrine.
A spokesman for the Interior Ministry said four men, one wearing military uniform and three in black, entered the mosque adjacent to the shrine early Wednesday and detonated two bombs. One bomb collapsed the dome and damaged part of the northern wall of the shrine.
Mainstream Sunni organizations have condemned the attacks. The Sunni clerical Muslim Scholars officially described the bombing of the shrine as a 'criminal act.'
Government officials are hoping to maintain order and calm. The hope is that sectarian violence will not spiral out of control and lead to a civil war throughout the country.
