Al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army militia fighters and the Iraqi troops backed by U.S. forces reached for arms once again turning Baghdad’s main Shiite district of Sadr City into their battlefield.  The commotion is feared to bring destabilizing political and military tensions in Iraq.

Aides to Muqtada al-Sadr called for dialogue in order to resolve the violent standoff between the two forces even though an order was given a week ago for all troops to cease fire.

Among the known victims are nine civilians, including five children and two women, which bring the total to approximately 25 and also a U.S. soldier was killed bringing the last two day count at eight. 

The Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, during an interview with CNN on Sunday, addressed a powerful message asking  al-Sadr to cease all offences or become politically isolated.

"Solving the problem comes in no other way than dissolving the Mahdi Army. We have opened the door for confrontation, a real confrontation with these gangs, and we will not stop until we are in full control of these areas," al-Maliki said.

He has been quoted saying that all involved in al-Sard’s operations will not be allowed "to participate in the political process or take part in upcoming elections unless they end the Mahdi Army." The thought follows the upcoming fall elections which are expected to redistribute power in Iraq. One of the main issues concerning the Sadrists is that the government but also rival parties are trying to reduce their status.