Cleric threatens to end Iraq ceasefire

Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Feb. 20 threatened to end a crucial six-month ceasefire that has been credited with halving the level of violence in Iraq. Sheik Salah al-Obeidi, a spokesman for Sadr in the Shia holy city of Najaf, warned the "freeze" would end if the cleric failed to extend the arrangement by Feb. 23. Sadr's Mahdi army is among the most powerful militias in Iraq and the young cleric enjoys one of the largest followings of any leader in the country. His decision to order his militia to stand down last August allowed stretched US forces to reestablish some control in the country and helped reduce violence by 60%. Today, however, in a move that will cause deep concern in Washington, Obeidi claimed Sadr's followers would be free to resume their activities if no message was sent by the cleric by Feb. 23. If the ceasefire is not extended "then that means the freeze is over," he said. Obeidi added the message had "been conveyed to all Mahdi army members nationwide." The US military welcomed the six-month ceasefire last year, admitting it came as a major breakthrough in their ability to operate more effectively in the country. At that stage, Sadr's followers had taken control of large areas of Baghdad, declaring their mission to protect Shia residents from Sunni insurgents. Since the ceasefire however, US forces have insisted on continuing to stage raids against factions of the Mahdi militia. The result has been a steadily increasing tide of resentment among the cleric's followers, who earlier this month urged Sadr to call off the ceasefire. The maverick leader has since announced he would not renew the order unless the Iraqi government purged "criminal gangs" operating within security forces he claims are targeting his followers. This was seen as a reference to rival Shia militia from the Badr brigade who are known to have infiltrated security forces participating in the ongoing crackdown.