Najaf sees first day of peace in weeks

NAJAF, Iraq, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- People in the Najaf, Iraq, saw their first day of peace Saturday in more than three weeks after a truce between Shia rebels and U.S.-led forces.

Municipal workers went out Saturday for the first time in weeks to clear debris after forces loyal to rebel leader Moqtada Sadr withdrew from their base at the shrine of Imam Ali, the BBC reported.

Shia spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Sistani was reportedly meeting other clerics Saturday to discuss the new Najaf situation. Questions remained over weapons still held by the fighters who were meant to disarm under the peace deal.