Islamist militants stormed police stations in several cities of Iraq's western province of Anbar. They seized weapons and freed prisoners after security forces dismantled a Sunni Muslim protest camp Monday.

The attacks represent a serious escalation in the confrontation between Iraqi Sunni groups and the Shi'ite-led government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

In Ramadi, clashes continued for a third day.

This footage shot Tuesday shows a group of soldiers -- said to have been captured by gunmen -- sharing a meal.

Violence in Iraq has hit its highest levels since the sectarian fighting of 2006-7, in which tens of thousands of people were killed.