In Iraq, the U.S. occupation entered a new phase Sunday as Shiite Iraqis staged an armed uprising against the occupying forces in four cities.

A total of at least 50 Iraqis and 10 U.S. troops died Sunday. Hundreds were injured. The U.S.-led occupying forces lost control of at least one city. Police stations were burned in four others. The resistance continued early today in Basra, where dozens of Shiites occupied the governor’s office.

The young Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for the uprising after the U.S. shut down one of his newspapers and arrested one of his top aides.

In a statement, Sadr said, “Terrorize your enemy, God will reward you well for what pleases him. It is not possible to remain silent in front of their abuse.”