Shiite fighters withdraw from key Iraqi cities

Baghdad: Militia loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr have started to withdraw from Baghdad and Basra, according to media reports on Monday.

Al Sadr on Sunday ordered his followers to withdraw from the streets and cease fire, after clashes with the military that has left more than 300 people dead in six days.

Witnesses said that militants were no longer seen in Baghdad and Basra streets and that pedestrians and vehicles were on the streets after curfews were lifted.

Al Sadr's group in Baghdad also confirmed that Mehdi Army militia were no longer deployed in the city.

"Sadr movement and Jaish Al Mahdi (Mahdi Army) are committed to the order of Sadr," said the group's spokesman Hamdallah Al Rikabi. "We are implementing what Sadr has ordered."

There were no reports of fresh clashes on Monday. Several shops were open, but offices, Basra colleges and schools remained closed.