NAJAF.

NAJAF, Iraq (AFP) ??” Shiite Muslim militia and US bands took a step back from the brink at agreeing to a ceasefire after sum of two units months of bloodshed, as the number of US soldiers killed in action in Iraq hit 600

An official from rebel cleric Moqtada Sadr's Mehdi Army said its fighters had been withdrawn as the US military told AFP it agreed to venture back from some positions in the twin pilgrimage cities.

"We have withdrawn our fighters from the ways of Kufa and Najaf," militia official Abu Jafaar said.

Iraqi police started to patrol Najaf late Friday as part of the short quiet framework and no armed militiamen could be seen forward the streets, said an AFP correspondent.

"The guidance of Najaf has made an announcement that the Iraqi police will open in and around the sensitve areas around the hallowed shrines," US Army Captain Douglas Duecker told AFP.