Sistani Sets Conditions on Sadr’s Iman Ali Tomb Handover

Sadr spokesman Ali Smeisim disclosed that Sistani wanted "no one in the vicinity of the tomb, all the interior and exterior doors closed, and the keys to be presented in a sealed envelope."

Another of Sadr’s spokesmen, Sheikh Ahmed Shaibani, indicated that the Mahdi Army would continue to protect the Tomb after the turnover. "The Mahdi Army will continue to protect the Tomb and all of Najaf, because it is a holy city. Americans will not be permitted in Najaf. The job is not finished in Najaf."

The American army reportedly suspended its blockade in the vicinity of the Imam Ali Tomb; however, gunfire could still be heard coming from the direction of the cemetery.

While deadly clashes continue throughout Iraq, resisters sabotaged an oil pipeline in the southern part of the country. The pipeline linking the Rumeyla oil field to the export center on the Faw peninsula has been closed for a week because of threats of sabotage.