U.S. Forces Said to Storm Cleric's House

[G_j]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4414711,00.html

U.S. Forces Said to Storm Cleric's House

Thursday August 12, 2004 6:01 PM



By TODD PITMAN

Associated Press Writer

NAJAF, Iraq (AP) - U.S. forces stormed a Najaf house belonging to a radical Shiite cleric, who has led a deadly uprising against coalition and Iraqi troops for more than a week, as American and Iraqi soldiers launched a major assault Thursday on his militiamen. Explosions and gunfire echoed near the revered Imam Ali shrine and its vast cemetery.

Residents saw U.S. forces break into Muqtada al-Sadr's house without meeting any resistance. Al-Sadr, who has vowed to fight ``until the last drop of my blood has been spilled,'' was not there at the time.

It was not immediately known where he went, but residents reported clashes between Iraqi police and members of his Mahdi Army militia near the house Wednesday, which may have prompted most residents to leave the area.

Also, Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi called on Shiite militants to put down their weapons and leave the shrine, where they have sought refuge.

``These places have never been exposed to such violations in the past,'' he said, adding that many innocent people have been killed.
..more..

[BJ]

1. "Pass the dynamite, 'cuz the fuse is lit!"

[AFSCME girl]

2. No kidding! n/t

:mad:

[Raven]

3. Nobody home! Jesus!

The people running this war are pathetic! :eyes:

[Moderator]

4. Duplicate topic, please discuss and update story here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=744527&mesg_id=744527