Controversial Cleric Sadr Returns To Iraq

Muqtada al-Sadr speaks during Friday Prayers at the Al-Kufah Mosque in Al-Najaf in 2006.

Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, known for his anti-U.S. stance and well-armed militia, has reportedly returned to Iraq for the first time in some three years.

Mazan al-Sadi, a Sadrist cleric in Baghdad, confirmed that Sadr returned to Iraq.

Sadi said Sadr has gone to Al-Najaf, where he preached for years, to visit his father's grave and his former home.

Sadr went into self-exile in Iran sometime around 2006 or 2007 after an arrest warrant was issued for him.

compiled from agency reports