Iraq ? Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is demanding the Iraqi government reinstate all security forces fired for deserting during fighting in Basra.

Monday’s statement came a day after more than 1,300 soldiers and policemen were sacked for refusing to fight when clashes broke out.

The anti-U.S. cleric says those who gave up their arms “were only obeying their grand religious leaders” and “were driven by their religious duties.”

He said in a statement issued by his office in holy city of Najaf that they should be reinstated and even rewarded for their loyalty.