BAGHDAD, Oct 20 (Reuters) - A government minister sent to quell battles between Shi'ite militias and police in the southern Iraqi city of Amara said on Friday reports the Mehdi Army militia was in total control were exaggerated.

"These reports are not true," National Security Minister Shirwan al-Waeli told Reuters by phone from near Amara. He added: "What is happening there is serious."

Clashes between Shi'ite militias and Iraqi security forces, fuelled by tribal divisions, have killed 15 people and wounded 91 since Thursday, a security source in Amara said.

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