THE new commander of coalition troops in Iraq declared yesterday that America was “still at war” and that it was facing classic guerrilla tactics.

The admission from General John Abizaid, the new head of US Central Command, contradicted repeated claims by Donald Rumsfeld, the Defence Secretary, that US troops did not face a guerrilla war. General Abizaid, speaking nearly three months after President Bush declared major combat over, said: “We’re at war. It’s war, however you describe it.

“We’re fighting mid-level Baathist Iraqi intelligence service people, special security organisation people, special Republican Guard people, organised at the regional level in cellular structure . . . a classical guerrilla-type campaign.”

In Washington, the House Intelligence Committee reported that “large numbers of US troops were likely to remain in Iraq” for years.

Soldiers in Iraq began openly calling for the Defence Secretary’s resignation, after their withdrawal was delayed for a third time this week. One told ABC television: “If Donald Rumsfeld were here, I’d ask him for his resignation.”

Since Mr Bush’s declaration 78 US soldiers and 10 British troops have died in Iraq, 39 from hostile action.

Times Recommends

• Obama: the world can expect better of America
• Gulp! Mystery killer threatens French oyster
• Secret of Northn Lights key to space safety