Their forces grew from the humble security branch of the research team on the Surrogate and small planetary militias to a full army.

Much of the slaughter has been blamed on pro-government militias.

Run these photographs against our files on militias, white supremacist groups, antigovernment organizations.

Since the Oklahoma City bombing, public attention has focused on private militias.

The army became more professional, and less based on militias.

That could lessen the increasing dependence on militias by Iraqis who feel the need for protection against sectarian violence.

"It could also be theft," the official said, with suspicion falling primarily on Shiite militias in the south.

Before dawn on 27 January 2002 government troops and militias attacked the town, supported by helicopter gunships.

The Shiite leaders who control the government rely on militias to stay in power.

This falling back on militias and preparing for internecine conflict is not a new phenomenon.