BAGHDAD, April 13: The US military has moved "significant" forces to Najaf in preparation for a possible offensive to retake the city from militants and capture or kill their leader, Moqtada Sadr.

Brig Gen Mark Kimmitt, deputy director of operations for the US military in Iraq, said the force was being built up for operations that could range from combat to humanitarian assistance.

"It is clear that we are repositioning forces in this country where they are needed," Brig Kimmitt told a news conference when asked about a buildup of troops around Najaf, where radical leader Moqtada al Sadr is believed to be holed up.

"Currently we see a significant threat in the vicinity of Najaf by the name of Moqtada al Sadr and his militia. "We will get the forces to the place, at the time when it is necessary, to go after him and his militia to end this violence - it is that simple," Brig Kimmitt said.

Asked how big the force was, Brig Kimmit said it was significant and was still being bolstered."... the force being built up in that region is powerful and it will be disciplined and it will be capable of conducting the full spectrum of military operations, which could range from full combat operations...to humanitarian activities," he said. -Reuters