Reply #7: Democracy at the point of a gun

[RoyGBiv]

U.S. Seizes Governor's Office in Najaf

NAJAF, Iraq - U.S. soldiers backed by tanks and armored fighting vehicles Thursday seized control of the governor's office from Shiite militiamen in the holy city of Najaf.

Heavy shooting could be heard and plumes of smoke rose over the city.

Soldiers moved into the area in four directions to take control of the building. There appeared to be few if any militiamen in the building, which was taken without a fight.

Afterward, however, gunfire was heard and U.S. helicopters flew low over parts of the city.


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=721&e=7&u=/ap/20040506/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_najaf