U.S.-Led Coalition in Iraq to Halt Offensive Operations in Najaf

The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq states that now that Shia leaders have convinced the radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to withdraw his forces from the holy city of Najaf after weeks of fighting, they will halt their offensive operations in Najaf. Dan Senor, the coalition spokesperson, says that in addition, Muqtada al-Sadr has agreed to withdraw his forces from the city of Kufa as well. However, Mr. Senor states that following these actions, further constructive measures must be taken. The coalition spokesperson adds that despite these developments, the coalition wants Muqtada al-Sadr to completely disband his militia and be tried in an Iraqi court on murder charges. Mr. Senor mentions that until Iraqi police and civilian defense forces are deployed, coalition forces will remain in Karbala and Najaf. He also states that even after that, some troops will remain on site to protect buildings and the governor's residence. In another incident, a female member of the Iraqi Governing Council survived a bombing on Thursday, although one of her companions was killed. Meanwhile, Japanese officials say they are investigating reports that insurgents attacked a vehicle carrying two Japanese nationals near Baghdad.