Curfew declared in embattled Baghdad suburb

BAGHDAD - Iraq's interim government imposed a curfew on a Shi'ite suburb of Baghdad on Monday because of fighting between American forces and militiamen, an interior ministry source said.

The curfew would be in force from 4 pm to 8 am "until further notice due to the troubles in the area", the source said.

Fighters loyal to radical Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have clashed with United States and Iraqi forces in Sadr City, a sprawling slum home to two million, for the past five days.

Dozens have been killed. Over the same period Sadr's followers have been battling US forces in the holy city of Najaf to the south, with hundreds killed.

- REUTERS

Herald Feature: Iraq