BEIJING, Nov. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Fierce battles continued in the Iraqi city of Fallujah on Tuesday as US marines and Iraqi forces pushed into the heart of the besieged city.

    Local reports said the US forces have established control of one third of the urban area in northern Fallujah and at one stage moved to within one kilometre of the heart of the city.

    However, witnesses said the US forces had gradually pulled out from the centre of the city due to strong resistance from insurgents.

    US marines stormed into Fallujah from the north-western Jolan district and al-Mualemeen district in the east earlier on Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, about 80 people, including Iraqi policemen and soldiers of the Iraqi National Guard, were killed in militant attacks in Baquba and Kirkuk.

    Earlier, Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi asked the insurgents inside Fallujah to put down their weapons in order to prevent fierce fighting and heavy casualties.

    So far, many militant groups have vowed to launch more attacks against US forces and the Iraqi interim government in retaliation for the offensive on Fallujah.

    (CRIENGLISH.com)