Rebel Cleric Warns of Suicide Attacks in Iraq Story aired: Friday, April 23, 2004
Followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr clashed today with Polish-led coalition troops in the Iraqi city of Karbala, killing a Bulgarian soldier.
Speaking from the pulpit during Friday prayers in Najaf, Al Sadr threatened to launch suicide attacks against coalition forces if they try to attack or capture him or his followers.
The tensions between Al Sadr's militia the Mahdi Army and coalition forces began in early April. Clashes, particularly in southern cities, have been frequent and fierce ever since.
