Life is returning to normal in Baghdad after authorities lifted a 3-day curfew aimed at stopping clashes between Shi'ite militants and Iraqi security forces.

Traffic returned to the streets on Monday, and some local businesses opened for trade.

Baghdad's military spokesman said a vehicle ban would stay in place in the three Shiite militia stronghold neighborhoods of Sadr City,

Kazimiyah and Shula. The southern city of Basra also appeared calm after Sunday's fierce fighting between Mehdi army militants and Iraqi soldiers.

Powerful Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has ordered his Shi'ite militiamen off the streets.

The government welcomed the move, but added it will not cede to demands for militia rule in any part of Iraq.