Shiite cleric calls off attacks in Iraq

BAGHDAD, March 30 (UPI) -- Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr told his followers Sunday to stop all attacks in Iraq in an attempt to elicit an offer of amnesty from Iraqi officials.

Sadr issued a statement demanding amnesty for his supporters and the release of all his followers in custody in exchange for the cease-fire order, CNN reported.

"We announce our disavowal from anyone who carries weapons and targets government institutions, charities and political party offices," Sadr said in the statement.

While one of Sadr's top aides has alleged the influential cleric met with Iraqi government officials to negotiate the cease-fire, such reports were disputed by a government spokesman.

Meanwhile, at least 30 people were killed Sunday in U.S. air raids targeted at Shiite strongholds in Baghdad, an Iraqi Interior Ministry official said.

The attacks on the suspected militant strongholds also left 28 others injured, the official told CNN.

Sunday also marked the sixth consecutive day of fierce clashes in Basra between Iraqi forces and insurgents loyal to Sadr, KUNA reported.

The death toll since fighting began in Basra Thursday stood at 195 Sunday with an estimated 500 people injured, the health ministry said.