Franks stresses Iraq instability

Some US troops are facing a frustrated Iraqi population

The United States top commander in Iraq, General Tommy Franks, says he expects "rough behaviour" to prevail there for the foreseeable future.

General Franks made the statement in Washington, where he is briefing the administration and Congress about efforts to improve security in Iraq.

The general said his forces were capable of dealing with the situation.

In Iraq itself, two US soldiers were shot dead by unidentified attackers on Thursday.

Questions

BBC Pentagon correspondent Nick Childs says General Franks' first return to Washington since the war is bound to take on the appearance of a triumphant homecoming.

Our people will continue to do their jobs

General Tommy Franks

But as he began his meetings with members of Congress, news emerged about two more US casualties in Iraq.

A sniper killed a US soldier from the 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad.

And in a separate incident, an Iraqi walked up to a soldier on a bridge south of the city and shot him dead before fleeing.

Many Iraqis have criticised the failure of US forces to restore security.

However General Franks said his troops were dealing successfully with a volatile situation.

"I have an expectation that we will see rough behaviour in this country for the foreseeable future," he said.

"We will be up to it and our people will continue to do their jobs."

US military commanders have continued to warn that Iraq is a dangerous place, even though major combat operations are over.

Our correspondent says that in Washington, General Franks is bound to face questions about how many troops he needs to police Iraq now and for how long.