By MARIAM FAM, Associated Press Writer
NAJAF, Iraq - The U.S.-led coalition agreed Thursday to suspend offensive operations in Najaf after local leaders struck a deal with radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to end a bloody standoff threatening some of Iraq (news - web sites)'s holiest Shiite shrines.
Coalition forces would remain in Najaf until Iraqi security forces can reenter the city and assume control of strategic buildings from al-Sadr's militia, coalition spokesman Dan Senor told reporters in Baghdad.
"Until that time, coalition forces will suspend offensive operations but will continue to provide security by carrying out presence patrols," Senor said.
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