Fierce Battle in Iraq

[Christina]

Iraq clashes 'kill 250 militants' US and Iraqi troops have killed about 250 militants in fierce fighting around the holy city of Najaf, police say. The battle raged all day as US-backed Iraqi army units fought the previously unidentified group in orchards on the northern outskirts of Najaf. Three Iraqi soldiers had reportedly died in the battle and 21 were injured. The US military said two of its troops died when their helicopter was shot down, but did not confirm any of the Iraqi casualty figures. An Iraqi official in the Najaf governor's office told the BBC that 21 Iraqi soldiers had been injured in the clashes, which occurred in a neighbourhood called Zarqa, and the Iraqi army was sweeping the area. Unnamed Iraqi sources said that the insurgents were from a previously unknown militant group calling themselves the Army of Heaven, or Soldiers of Heaven. Asaad Abu Gilel, the governor of Najaf province, said that the gunmen had been intent on attacking Shia clerics and pilgrims marking the holy festival of Ashura. "They are well-equipped and they even have anti-aircraft missiles. They are backed by some locals," he said......................................................................Cnn interviewers report that things are so bad in Iraq many Shia believers are now saying it is the End of Days when the Iman will return during a time Chaos rules.

 

[Christina]

Iraqi official: Najaf insurgents were members of messianic cultNAJAF, Iraq (CNN) -- The insurgents involved in Sunday's intense battle in and around Najaf are members of a Muslim messianic cult who believed their plan to seize the Shiite holy city and assassinate top Shiite clerics would bring about the coming of their leader, an Iraqi police official told CNN.Col. Ali Jraiwi said the insurgents detained after Sunday's fighting told Najaf police they are members of a group called "Soldiers of Heaven" and are a mix of Sunni and Shia Muslims.Iraqi officials said the insurgents planned to seize control of Najaf and the surrounding province and kill top Shia religious figures -- including Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's most revered Shiite leader.Jraiwi said they also planned to attack the Imam Ali Shrine at the heart of the city and Shiite pilgrims observing the annual Ashura holy period. The captured fighters told Najaf police they believed their plan would advance the coming of the Mehdi, a Muslim messiah.Sunday's fighting left at least 200 fighters dead, 120 detained and 60 wounded, defense ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Askari told CNN. By Monday, the fighting was "90 percent over," as U.S. forces took the lead role, Jraiwi said.-- CNN's Jomana Karadsheh and Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report