US Launches Major Necef Offensive

Numerous world news agencies reported first signs of the attack in the early morning hours. American soldiers cut off the roads leading to Caliph Ali’s tomb.

The US Army yesterday announced that it was preparing for a major operation led by Iraqi security forces. According to America’s Associated Press (AP) news agency, Iraqi security forces are leading the operation in order to not to spark the rage of the Shiites, who make up 60 percent of Iraq’s population.

A Mahdi Army official warned yesterday that Basra’s oil pipelines and facilities, which account for 90 percent of Iraq’s oil income, would be blown up if Najaf is attacked.

The 31-year old Sadr told his followers, "Even if I die, keep fighting."