Anti-American Shiite Cleric Threatens Attack On U. S. Troops In Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq (AHN) - Anti-American Shi'ite leader Muqtada al-Sadr has threatened to renew attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq if they don't leave the country as the government is poised to approve a new security agreement with Washington.

The Iran-based al-Sadr, whose militia fought against U.S. troops in 2004, issued the threat through a statement read to thousands of supporters Friday in Baghdad's Shi'ite Sadr City enclave and the city of Kufa, south of the capital.

"I repeat my call on the occupier to get out from the land of our beloved Iraq, without retaining bases or signing agreements," the New York Times quoted al-Sadr as saying. "If they do stay, I urge the honorable resistance fighters ... to direct their weapons exclusively against the occupier."

Iraqi cabinet officials and lawmakers will soon decide on a new security deal proposed by Washington to replace the current United Nations-sanctioned agreement expiring by yearend. The proposed deal provides for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq by the end of 2011. If the agreement is disapproved, U.S. troops will no longer have a mandate to occupy Iraq.