BAGHDAD, Aug 24: Violence erupted in Najaf on Wednesday as supporters of radical Shia leader Moqtada Sadr clashed with locals, killing five people, as efforts to push through Iraq’s constitution received a boost from the Kurdish parliament.

“Five people were killed, some of them are followers of Sadr, and seven others were wounded in the clashes,” said Saheb al Amiri, general secretary of Shaheed Allah, an organization linked to Moqtada Sadr’s movement.

An unknown number of people were earlier reported wounded in Najaf when traders in the old town, demonstrated against members of Sadr’s group who were attempting to reopen their local office.

The office was closed last year following a rebellion led by Sadr against US forces.—AFP