Gunbattles between US troops and Iraqi Sunni Muslim militants resumed in Fallujah, central Iraq, Wednesday night while the US forces launched ariel bombardment of the besieged town, Qatar-based al-Jazeera satellite channel reported.

The bombardment of Nuwab Al-Dubat neighborhood came after an all-day intensive shelling of the town, sealed off by American soldiers since April 5, said the report.

According to media reports, the nighttime fighting raised more smoke over the city.

The US forces attacked all positions believed to have resistance fighters, using jet fighters and gunships.

Hours earlier, after meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Goeran Persson at the White House, US President George W. Bush noted that "our military commanders will take whatever action is necessary to secure Fallujah on behalf of the Iraqi people."

At least 700 people were reportedly killed and 1,500 others injured in the US raids of Fallujah, the Sunni Muslim city densely populated by some 300,000. 

Source: Xinhua