Shiite leader Muqtada Al-Sadr has ordered six ministers in his party to resign from the Iraqi government. Their resignation is expected to lead to increased tensions in the government, although party officials said that the ruling Shiite coalition would most likely survive their departure.

Officials explained that the move is meant to increase pressure on America to withdraw from Iraq. Al-Sadr, who is wanted by the American army for murder, has repeatedly called for the troops to withdraw. Recent reports said that Al-Sadr’s troops have been training in Iran and learning techniques of modern warfare, which they said they would use against “occupiers.”