Najaf, Iraq, Aug 22, SPA -- Militia loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr kept their hold on a revered shrine as clashes flared in Najaf on Sunday, raising fears a resolution to the crisis in the holy city could collapse amid bickering between Shiite leaders. An unofficial mediator and distant relative of the clericpleaded with al-Sadr to disarm his militia, pull them outof the shrine and disband his militia immediately. "We are in a race with time," Hussein al-Sadr said. Early Sunday, U.S. warplanes bombed Najaf's Old City,scene of much of the fighting, and the sounds of shellingcould be heard in the streets, witnesses said. The U.S.military could not confirm the bombing, but said operationsin Najaf were ongoing. The two sides clashed sporadically throughout Sundaymorning. At least three people were killed and 18 injuredduring the fighting overnight, said, Twafeeq Mohammed ofNajaf General Hospital.--SPA1139 Local Time 0839 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/193983