Fierce fighting is underway in Najaf, Iraq: forces loyal to Moqtada Al Sardr are entrenched around and inside the Mausoleum of Ali, in the city center; after nearly a month of fighting between 3,000 Marines and soldiers of the newly formed Iraqi Army and 1,000-2,000 Al Sardr fighters, the Americans arrive within 20 meters of the mosque, when religious leader Al Sistani intervenes and manages to secure the keys to the mausoleum; approximately 1,000 Al Sardr fighters remain on the ground, 11 Marines killed.
