BAGHDAD, March 27 (Reuters) - Iraqi authorities imposed a three-day curfew in Baghdad on Thursday to contain clashes between Mehdi Army militants and Iraqi security forces that have threatened to spiral out of control.

"A curfew on vehicles and people has been imposed in Baghdad from 11 p.m. (2000 GMT ) tonight until 5 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Sunday. This is because of the clashes in Baghdad. We want to protect civilians," said Major-General Qassim Moussawi, spokesman for Iraqi security forces in Baghdad.

(Reporting by Wathiq Ibrahim; Writing by Ross Colvin; Editing by Ibon Villelabeitia)

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