Iraqi general assumes command at Fallujah

IRAQI security forces, commanded by a former general in Saddam Hussein's once-feared Republican Guard, took over positions from withdrawing US marines around besieged Fallujah yesterday.

A US official said an agreement had been reached to allow an Iraqi security force to patrol the city and end the month-long siege.

Skirmishes continued in Fallujah, however, and a suicide car bombing killed two marines and wounded six near their camp on the outskirts of the Sunni city, the military said.