Iraqi insurgents hit back after Bush says US operation in 'new phase'

BAGHDAD (AFP) — Iraqi insurgents hit back with raids that killed 24 people after US President George W. Bush said American forces would give Iraqi security forces greater responsibility in countering rebels.

Twelve soldiers were killed in an ambush in northern Iraq on Wednesday and other attacks were staged across the country on Thursday -- ending a brief lull in the rebel assault after the first free election in five decades.

Highlighting Sunday's election in his annual State of the Union speech, Bush said "the new political situation in Iraq opens a new phase of our work in that country."

He added: "We will increasingly focus our efforts on helping prepare more capable Iraqi security forces, forces with skilled officers, and an effective command structure.

"As those forces become more self-reliant and take on greater security responsibilities, America and its coalition partners will increasingly be in a supporting role." ...