US bombs Najaf as shrine stand-off continues

SPORADIC gunfire, explosions and a US bombing raid shook the city of Najaf yesterday as militants retained control of a revered shrine, raising fears that a plan to end the crisis could collapse amid bickering between Shi'ite leaders.

Earlier, US warplanes bombed Najaf's Old City. The sounds of shelling could be heard in the streets, witnesses said.

The US military could not confirm the bombing, but said operations in Najaf were ongoing. US forces also appeared to have sealed off the Old City, restoring a cordon that had been loosened in recent days.