May 14 (Bloomberg) -- The Imam Ali shrine in Najaf, Shiya Islam's holiest site, was damaged in fighting today between U.S. forces and fighters loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, the Associated Press reported.

Four holes, about 12 inches (30 centimeters) by eight, are visible on the shrine's dome, AP cited one of reporters as saying. They appeared to have been caused by machinegun fire, it said.

It wasn't clear which side was responsible, AP said. U.S. troops have sought to avoid damaging holy sites in Najaf and other cities, AP said.

U.S. troops are fighting an insurgency in southern Iraq led by al-Sadr, who is holed up in Najaf. The U.S. has accused him and his supporters of using mosques as a base and to stock weapons. Najaf is the burial place of the prophet Mohammed's son- in-law Ali, whom Shiites regard as his successor. The city draws pilgrims from inside and outside Iraq.

(Associated Press, 5-14)

To contact the reporter on this story: Alex Morales in London at amorales2@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: May 14, 2004 09:13 EDT