WASHINGTON, April 5: US Central Command chief Gen John Abizaid has asked military commanders to give him options for sending more troops to Iraq after a bloody upsurge in violence over the weekend, CNN reported on Monday.

The network reported that Gen Abizaid asked military leaders to supply plans for consideration within the next 48 hours. The Pentagon and Central Command denied that Gen Abizaid had specifically requested more troops after the weekend's heightened violence, saying supply of US troops in Iraq was regularly reviewed.

"Commanders constantly assess the situation on the ground and they adjust their forces accordingly," said Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel James Cassella. "We've always said that commanders will have the troops that they need to accomplish the mission, but as far as any specific request" none has yet been made by General Abizaid, he said.

At Centcom headquarters in Tampa, Florida, a spokesman, Captain Bruce Frame gave similar comment. "General Abizaid is in constant communication with his commanders who are foredeployed," Captain Frame said. -AFP