Shiite Militia In Control Of Najaf Centre, Vow To Die Martyrs

NAJAF, Iraq, Aug 12 (AFP) - Shiite militia loyal to Moqtada Sadr were in control Thursday of Najaf's centre despite a fierce US military offensive as a senior aide to the radical cleric vowed to fight to the bitter end.
Militiamen were in control of a radius of about two kilometers (a mile) around the Imam Ali mausoleum, an AFP correspondent reported from outside the shrine at about 1:00 pm (0900 GMT).
"We are ready to fight until the last drop of blood if this is what the Americans want," said the white-turbaned Sheikh Ali al-Sumeisim surrounded by armed men.
US troops backed by Iraqi security forces have closed off all approaches to the old city as warplanes pounded militia positions in outlying areas.
Hundreds of residents were seen fleeing the area.