Iraqi cleric orders fighters to leave Najaf
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-16 16:21

Radical Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr Wednesday told all members of his Mehdi Army militia who are not from Najaf to leave the holy city.

Sadr addresses followers during Friday prayers in the town of Kufa in this May 21, 2004 file photo. [Reuteres]

Sadr issued a statement calling on his militiamen to go home to "do their duty." Sadr agreed to a truce this month after weeks of fighting with U.S.-led forces in Najaf and Kerbala.

"Each of the individuals of the Mehdi Army, the loyalists who made sacrifices...should return to their governorates to do their duty," the statement said.

Shi'ite clerics helped broker the truce to end the fighting, appalled at damage to holy shrines in the city.

Sadr's forces have been keeping a low profile in Najaf since the deal, under which U.S forces also agreed to pull back from the town and turn security over to Iraqi police.

Close

Today's Top News     Top World News
China opposes US bill to help Taiwan join WHO         Former Guizhou Party chief tried for bribery         NBS: China can avoid severe inflation         Oil drilling deal inked with Uzbekistan         US general: I'm told to treat POWS like 'dog'         Bush on Saddam handover: Must stay in jail	Bush touts Afghanistan as model for Iraq       Poll of Iraqis reveals anger toward US       Court challenge against dropping Sharon case       Al-Qaeda group threatens to kill US hostage       Russian YUKOS owner on trial 8 months after arrest       Report: Evidence shows Sept. 11 attacks were delayed