Rockets hit Baghdad Green Zone

At least 16 rockets were fired into the Green Zone late on Wednesday following a surrender ultimatum from Iraq's prime minister to fighters in the southern city of Basra loyal to populist Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr.

Nouri Al-Maliki said fighters from al-Sadr's Mahdi Army had 72 hours to give themselves up or would face "severe penalties".

"Those who were deceived into carry weapons must deliver themselves and make a written pledge to promise they will not repeat such action within 72 hours," he said.

Al-Maliki was speaking at an army base in Basra from where he is overseeing military operations in the city.