A battle between U.S.-backed Iraqi troops and insurgents raged into Monday morning after Iraqi officials said they foiled a plot to attack pilgrims and kill leading religious clerics in the city. Iraqi interior and defense ministry officials told CNN an estimated 250 to 300 gunmen had been killed in the fight north of Najaf. They were part of a force of 400 to 600 insurgents who planned a massive siege of Najaf on Tuesday. Iraqi officials said insurgents planned to seize control of the city and the surrounding province and kill top religious figures. At least nine Iraqis and two Americans were killed in the battle, which was "90 percent over" early Monday, Najaf police Col. Ali Jraiwi told the state television network al-Iraqia.
