The United States-led coalition agreed on Thursday to suspend offensive operations in Najaf after Shiite leaders struck a deal with radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to end the bloody standoff in the city, which has threatened some of Shia Islam’s holiest shrines.
Coalition spokesperson Dan Senor told reporters in Baghdad that US and coalition troops will remain in Najaf to until Iraqi security forces can resume their operations in the city and take control of strategic buildings from al-Sadr’s militia.
“Until that time, coalition forces will suspend offensive operations but will continue to provide security by carrying out presence patrols,” Senor said.
Iraqi leaders had urged the Americans to accept the agreement, although it does not require al-Sadr immediately to disband militia and turn himself in to authorities to face charges in the April 2003 assassination of a moderate cleric.
“As soon as the Iraqi security forces have resumed responsibility for public security and re-establish law and order, coalition forces will reposition to their bases outside Najaf while maintaining protective units at the [coalition] offices, at government buildings and Iraqi police stations,” Senor said. — Sapa-AP
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