BAGHDAD - The influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr may end a cease-fire that contributed to the calm in Iraq, a spokesman said.

Sadr called a six-month cease-fire for his Mehdi Army in August in the face of increased sectarian violence. U.S. military officials credit the cease-fire with contributing to the increased security situation in Iraq.

Salah al-Obeidim a Sadr spokesman, told CNN Wednesday that if Sadr didn't make any formal announcements on Saturday to extend the cease-fire, the Mehdi Army would return to operations the next day.

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