Hostage rescued in Fallujah

American soldiers battling Iraqi insurgents in Fallujah claim to have rescued a hostage shackled in the basement of a house.

An American military spokesman said they did not knw the hostage's nationality, but said that he was not a Westerner.

The man was said to have been beaten and was malnourished, he had been shackled to a wall of the property.

US forces were today still exchanging heavy fire with insurgent units as they struggled to put their final stamp on the city.

Reports that the assault had resulted in 70 per cent control of the city were disputed by Iraqi commanders, who estimated 50 per cent as "more realistic", amid further shelling and air strikes in several areas.

With the rebel stronghold of Jolan, in the north-west of the city, now handed over to Iraqi units to clear, the main battles were in the city centre and in southern districts.

US Lieutenant General John Sattler said rebels had been reduced to "small pockets" moving blindly through the city.