Iraqi Shia Cleric Moqtada Sadr Orders Fighters Off Streets

March 30, 2008 9:15 a.m. EST

Baghdad, Iraq (AHN) - In a surprise move Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr on Sunday ordered his fighters off the streets of Basra and other cities in Iraq.

Sadr said in a statement that his movement wanted the Iraqi people to stop the bloodshed and for Iraq to maintain its independence and stability. He had previously defied the Iraqi government's deadline to turn weapons in for cash.

According to reports, it is unclear if all of Sadr's followers will comply with his order.

According to reports, the United States has used ground troops in Basra.

Sadr's order comes after fighting across the country since Tuesday alone had killed more than 240 people.