The US command said American forces were at the scene to provide support if necessary.
West and north of Baghdad, meanwhile, the Americans have been grappling with a low-intensity guerrilla war apparently waged by die-hard supporters of Saddam or by other Sunni Muslims resisting the US occupation.
In the third day of attacks around Fallujah, 70km west of Baghdad, a US military truck was left ablaze Tuesday after what witnesses said was a strike by insurgents.
No casualties were reported.



