Fighting renewed in Najaf

Following a phase of relative calm, armed confrontations in Najaf on Monday evening between the American forces and the national guards forces, on the one hand and the supporters of the Shiite Clergy Muqtada al-Sader, on the other. Witnesses said that several mortars shelling fell near the headquarters of the police in the city.

The clashes concentrated in the downtown of the city, and news reports said that American military vehicles were burnt as a result of the fighting.

Under these atmospheres the Iraqi national congress in Baghdad postponed going to Najaf city in a mission aiming at ending the flaring crisis there. Members of the delegation said they intend to leave for Najaf today upon completing necessary measures.

Meantime, each of Saudi Arabia and Iran demanded the UN to interfere to halt the violent confrontations inside the city.