Looks like the coalition and Iraqi forces are finally going after Al-Sadr.

US troops surrounded the home of wanted Shiite Muslim radical leader Moqtada Sadr in the central Iraqi holy city of Najaf, an AFP correspondent witnessed.

US armoured vehicles, backed by Iraqi security forces, cordoned off the Al-Zahra neighbourhood, where Sadr's home is located in the eastern part of the city.

Smoke was seen rising from the area Monday amid the sound of heavy gunfire, mortar fire and rocket-propelled grenade explosions.

Hopefully this will end part of the current string of violence in Iraq and possibly cut off some of the Iranian funding of activities within the country.

UPDATE: And of course, the troops withdraw.