"The order was issued to leave the city no later than April 22. Some are leaving today, others by the 19th, then next week it will become the army's show," one US public affairs officer, who declined to be named, told AFP.

A 30,000-strong task force from the Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) is expected to flow into Iraq from Kuwait over the coming days to ensure security is re-established across the country.

This includes mopping up the remnants of Saddam Hussein's die-hard Fedayeen militia and suicide bombers, who have claimed the lives of eight US soldiers in three blasts since the war began on March 20.

The 4ID's rules of engagement are still designed for combat.

The US army, which has already deployed its Third Infantry Division here, made its first appearance in a civil role Wednesday as a senior officer met with local leaders and police officials to discuss the security situation.

Unlike the marines, the army is traditionally responsible for civil affairs, including reconstruction of security, water and electricity.

SPACE.WIRE