AL DHULUIYAH, Oct 7: Rebels in Fallujah have been warned against being duped by the promise of a deal with the government, in a statement on Thursday attributed to the Islamic Army in Iraq.

"The mujahedeen in Samarra were duped by the so-called peace initiative," said the statement by the army's so-called "Horror Battalion". "We believe what happened in Samarra confirms that the Iraqi government is using tactics employed by Sharon," in reference to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

US and Iraqi forces regained control of Samarra after launching a massive offensive against rebels in the city, north of Baghdad, on Friday that left about 150 people dead.

"We advise the mujahedeen in Fallujah not to fall in the same trap as their brothers in Samarra," said the statement, whose authenticity could not be verified. "The coming days will see the punishment of the rulers of Salahuddin province who blessed the filthy Samarra operation ... They and their families are targets." -AFP