The US Marines are drawing up plans to send back to Iraq at least some reserve combat battalions that have already served one tour there, the first time such units would be returned to the war.

The US Marine Corps today planned to charge seven Marines and one sailor with murder in connection with the April death of an Iraqi civilian, a defence official said.

Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he may be ready to name his nominees for defence and interior minister, the two men who will likely lay the groundwork for carrying out his pledge to take over security around within 18 months, and eventually open the way for US troops to go home.