Four American soldiers serving in Iraq have been charged with cruelty and abuse of their fellow troops, the US army says in a statement.

Charges were laid two days ago against the accused, all of whom serve with B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, a unit based out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

"Accusations of cruelty and maltreatment are taken very seriously, and we will investigate this isolated incident thoroughly," said Brigadier General David Elicerio, Deputy Commanding General for Multi-National Division-South, headquartered in the southern city of Basra.

The statement named the soldiers charged as Staff Sergeant Bob Clements, Staff Sergeant Enoch Chatman, Sergeant Jarrett Taylor and Specialist Daniel Weber.

SG/SME/MMA