The White House announced a shuffling of US military leaders in the Iraq war today as Congress’ new Democratic chiefs criticised plans president George W Bush is considering to boost US troop strength in the war zone.

A prominent Sunni Arab group today accused some officials in the Iraqi government of having links with Shiite militias involved in sectarian violence and said authorities should be held responsible for any attacks by the armed groups.

A roadside bomb blasted a US convoy in north Baghdad on Monday, killing an American soldier and his Iraqi interpreter, the military reported, and the top American commander announced plans to establish an Iraqi militia to patrol the country.