Sadr orders fighters off Iraq's streets

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

NAJAF, Iraq (AFP) — Iraq's radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Sunday ordered his fighters off the streets, paving the way for an end to clashes with security forces that have killed hundreds of people.

"We want the Iraqi people to stop this bloodshed and maintain Iraq's independence and stability," Sadr said in a statement with his seal released by his headquarters in the holy city of Najaf.

"For that we have decided to withdraw from the streets of Basra and all other provinces."

Sadr's latest call came after six days of fighting between Shiite fighters and Iraqi forces in the southern port city of Basra, Baghdad and several other Shiite regions that have killed at least 270 people.

He said he took the decision as it was his "legitimate...