US strikes agreement to end offensive in Iraq’s holy city

THE US agreed to suspend offensive operations in Najaf yesterday after Iraqi leaders struck a deal with radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to end a stand-off threatening some of Iraq’s holiest Shiite shrines.

Coalition forces will pull out of most of Najaf once Iraqi security forces re-enter the city and assume control of strategic buildings from al-Sadr's militia, coalition spokesman Dan Senor said in Baghdad.

"Until that time, coalition forces will suspend offensive operations but will continue to provide security by carrying out presence patrols," he said.