Despite Truce Reports, Najaf Fighting Returns Story aired: Thursday, August 19, 2004
Iraq's interim prime minister has issued what he says is the "final call'' to Shiite militants in Najaf to disarm and vacate the holy Imam Ali Shrine. The call comes amid threats that Iraq troops might storm the holy site to end weeks of bloody battles with the forces loyal to Muslim cleric Muqtada Al Sadr. There had been signs in recent days that the crisis may be coming to a head.
Yesterday we heard that al Sadr had agreed to disarm. Today it seems he's withdrawn that pledge, if indeed it was ever made.
