The U.S. has released an Iraqi Shiite militia leader who is accused in the 2007 killing of five American soldiers.

U.S. officials and the British foreign ministry says Laith al-Khazali was released Sunday.

It's part of national reconciliation efforts between the Iraqi government and groups that renounce violence.

Al-Khazali and his brother are accused of organizing a bold raid on a local government headquarters in Karbala.

He's also believed to have ties to Iran.