The senior US general has warned Iraqi community leaders that the military will use stern measures unless they curb attacks against coalition forces, according to an Iraqi at the meeting.
Gen John Abizaid, chief of the US Central Command, delivered the warning to tribal sheikhs and mayors in the "Sunni Triangle" city of Ramadi west ofBaghdad at a recent meeting, according to Fallujah Mayor Mr Taha Bedawi yesterday.
"We have the capabilities and equipment," Mr Bedawi quoted the general as saying at Saturday's meeting.
The warning was another sign of a "get tough" campaign against insurgents, who have accelerated attacks against US and coalition forces in recent weeks.
US forces had eased off on raids during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began in late October.
Hours after Gen Abizaid's warning, US jets dropped three bombs in the Fallujah area after three US paratroopers were wounded in an ambush. There was no report of casualties from the bombing.
Meanwhile, tensions between US forces and Iraqis in the Shiite Muslim enclave, Sadr City, have risen over the last few days after the head of the US-appointed municipal council, Muhanad al-Kaadi, was shot and killed by an American soldier guarding municipal headquarters at the weekend.
The US military blamed al-Kaadi's death on Sunday on "his refusal to follow instructions of the on site security officer who was enforcing" regulations "in accordance with the rules ofengagement".
Al-Kaadi, who spoke fluent English, had been trying to improve relationsbetween the Americans and residents of the impoverished community. AP