http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040603/wl_nm/iraq_militia_dc&cid=574&ncid=1473NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Gunfire and explosions erupted in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf Thursday as U.S. forces battled Shi'ite militiamen, sending hundreds of people fleeing from the crowded city-center streets.
Militiamen loyal to militant cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have been battling U.S. troops around Najaf for weeks, but after a tentative truce agreement last week the streets of the city were crowded with shoppers ahead of the Muslim weekend.
As the violence began, shopkeepers hurriedly closed up and panicked women and children raced from the area.
Witnesses said the fighting began when two U.S. tanks advanced toward Najaf's cemetery, where some militia fighters are still dug in. There was an exchange of fire for around half an hour. Later the tanks withdrew and residents returned to Najaf's streets.
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