AFP: Radical Iraqi cleric vows to fight Najaf 'occupation'
Radical Iraqi Shiite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has vowed to fight the "occupation of Najaf" until his "last drop of blood", as clashes continued between his militiamen and US forces for a fifth day.
"I will defend Najaf until my last drop of blood," he told a news conference in this Shiite holy city's revered Imam Ali shrine, which has remained a militia stronghold since his spring uprising against foreign troops.
"Do not call them fighters of the Mehdi Army any longer, call them defenders of the city," he added.
"The occupiers must go, and then the democratic process can start in Iraq.
"I will stay here to support the fighters and I call on all religious dignitaries to do the same."
Sadr was speaking the day after Iraqi Prime Minister Iwad Allawi made a surprise visit to Najaf, where he called on the militia to lay down their arms and leave the city.
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