Accessibility links

Breaking News

Iraqi Police, Al-Sadr Militia Clash In Al-Najaf


Imam Al-Mahdi Army fighters (file photo) 10 June 2004 -- Clashes between Iraqi police and fighters loyal to radical Shi's cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in the southern Iraqi holy city of Al-Najaf today killed at least two people and wounded more than 20.

The fighting is the first major clash between al-Sadr's Imam Al-Mahdi Army and Iraqi forces which took over security in the city following an agreement last week.

The clashes began overnight when Iraqi police tried to arrest a group of al-Sadr supporters.

U.S. forces were not involved in the fighting.

Under last week's agreement, al-Sadr militiamen pulled back from the rest of Al-Najaf but reportedly remained holed up at several locations in the city center.

The agreement was reached by local Shi'a leaders to end weeks of fighting between al-Sadr supporters and U.S. forces.

(AFP/AP)

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG