U.S. Troops Clash With Insurgents in Iraq

Coalition troops battled militiamen loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in several Iraqi cities Friday, the second day of fighting that has shattered truces to end a widespread Shiite rebellion two months ago. The fighting began in the holy city of Najaf and has since spread to other areas across the country, and dozens have been reported killed and wounded. Also Friday, members of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia seized four police stations in Amarah, 180 miles southeast of Baghdad, witnesses said. [more] and [more]