US commander in Iraq claims the military has largely honored the security agreement with Baghdad amid, what he claimed to be, a relative lull in militant activities.

On Monday, General Ray Odierno said the pullout from urban areas was on the go with the troops having left the Iraqi forces in charge of 142 former US bases, Xinhua reported.

Briefing a press conference in Baghdad, he suggested a link between the withdrawal and an alleged respite in al-Qaeda-linked attacks -- which the United States projects as an outcome its invasion of Iraq.

Odierno claimed the US was 'absolutely committed' to the pullout plan which envisages withdrawal from cities and towns by the end of the month and a complete retreat by 2011.

The troops are, as well, expected to leave the violence-ridden northern city of Mosul which continues to host spates of bombing attacks.

Despite the new administration's apparent determination to cease the military presence in Iraq, Pentagon officials have been using a rise in violence to lay down a scheme for a prolonged stay in the oil-rich country.

Late last month, US Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey said Washington was to maintain its combat troops in Iraq for another 10 years despite the agreement.

He cited global trends which were "pushing in the wrong direction" to explain potential 'fundamental changes' in the Army.

HN/MMN