They have also provided training for several thousand Shiite militia fighters, mostly in Iran.

It needs to offer amnesty to insurgents and militia fighters willing to put down their weapons.

American officers said they had killed militia fighters, while hospital officials said many were civilians.

The militia fighters continue to be the source of much of the violence in this country.

Most have been returned, he said, but some remain in the hands of Shiite militia fighters.

The militia fighters had asked for food and money, but engaged the international force after being denied.

However many militia fighters would use taxes/customs as a pretext to extort money.

The militia fighters had closed to within 15 miles of Bamiyan city, it said.

He provided explosives, weapons, and militia fighters to the Taliban regime.

To the north is a police station where many of the officers are former militia fighters.