WARSAW, Aug 9: Polish troops in Iraq have handed over part of the zone they administer to US forces, including the province of Najaf.

The hand over also covers the province of Al Qadisiyah and was carried out following an order by US General George Casey, according to a Polish army spokesman quoted by the agency.

"This decision follows a realistic analysis of the situation," said a statement from the multinational division read to reporters by Colonel Artur Domanski, the spokesman for the force.

The PAP news agency said that the decision had been taken as the mandate of the Polish forces in Iraq only provides for stabilization and defence tasks and not combat.

Poland first handed over control of the area in April, after their force was badly dented by the withdrawal of Spanish troops. It then took back the zone three weeks later. -AFP