US forces step up pressure with advance on Najaf shrine

US FORCES and Shi'ite militants fought fierce battles yesterday near a revered shrine in Najaf, as the US military stepped up pressure on the insurgents to quickly hand over the holy site to Shi'ite religious authorities.

Tanks approached within 250 metres of the Imam Ali Shrine, where many militants have sought refuge, the closest they have come to the compound in recent days. US snipers were on rooftops around the shrine, witnesses said.

Gunfire rang throughout the streets and black smoke rose over the Old City neighbourhood, where much of the fighting has been centred.