REMEMBER HOW BAGHDAD WAS SOOO PEACEFUL THX TO TEH SURGE?

Well, that statement is "no longer operative."


Hundreds flee fighting in Baghdad as showdown looms between government and Shiite militia
By ROBERT H. REID
Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD (AP) -- Hundreds of people fled fighting in Baghdad's Shiite militia stronghold Monday as U.S. and Iraqi forces increased pressure on anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who faces an ultimatum to either disband his Mahdi Army or give up politics.

Gunbattles raged around the sprawling Sadr City district that serves as the Baghdad nerve center of the Mahdi militia, which has been under siege since last week by about 1,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops.

Gunfire and explosions could be heard before dawn in Baghdad, apparently coming from the Shiite militia stronghold of Sadr City. A low-flying jet could also be heard circling the center of the capital several hours before sunrise.

Police said at least 14 civilians were killed in clashes Monday in the Baghdad area, nine of them in Sadr City. Frightened families poured out of Sadr City -- some carrying their belongings in sacks or piled in pushcarts.