Shiite shrine damaged during fighting

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Shiite shrine damaged during fighting


HAMZA HENDAWI
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NAJAF - The golden dome of the Shrine of Imam Ali, one of the most sacred sites for Shiite Muslims, was hit by what appeared to be four gunshots in fighting today between U.S. soldiers and militiamen loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Four holes, each about 30 centimetres by 20 centimetres, were seen on the landmark structure by an Associated Press Reporter.

The holes appeared to have been caused by machine-gun fire but it was unclear which side was responsible. Three were on one side of the dome and one on another.

During their crackdown on al-Sadr's militia, U.S. forces have been careful to avoid damage to shrines in Najaf and other holy cities for fear of enraging Iraq's Shiite majority.
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