In Kufa, a palm-lined town on the Euphrates, bearded Shiite militiamen who swear their allegiance to a rebel cleric are driving around in police cars.

The Americans hold this city up as a model of stability, having pacified the militia of Moktada al-Sadr, the young rebel cleric.

Meanwhile, Moktada al-Sadr, a rebel Shiite cleric who is wanted by American forces in connection with a killing last year, continued to stir up his followers.

American-led occupation forces battled with Iraqi attackers and militias loyal to a rebel Shiite cleric in at least four cities in Iraq.

His remarks were directed at both American troops and militiamen loyal to Moktada al-Sadr, a young rebel cleric who ignited an insurrection against the occupation forces six weeks ago.

For more than two weeks, the First Armored Division has been fighting insurgents here led by Moktada al-Sadr, the 31-year-old rebel cleric who lives in Najaf.

Fighting continued to rage in the holy city of Kufa between American soldiers and militiamen loyal to a rebel Shiite cleric.

He said most were followers of Moktada al-Sadr, the rebel Shiite cleric.

Meantime, American soldiers and forces loyal to the rebel Shiite cleric, Moktada al-Sadr, squared off in the holy city of Najaf.

IN a single moment last week, all the mystery and contradiction surrounding Moktada al-Sadr, Iraq's rebel cleric, came into focus.