In the latest sign of the tensions, the province's police chief, Maj. Gen. Tariq Yusif Mohammed, was ousted from his job recently, said Abdul Kareem Khalaf, the Interior Ministry spokesman.
Mohammed had the backing of tribal leaders, and the provincial council had been trying to force him out since early June, alleging that he was weak on security. The move needed approval from the central government.
The police chief had said that the move to fire him was politically motivated because of his support from tribal leaders. He had accused politicians of wanting to push out all potential opponents and critics before provincial elections, which U.S. officials hope will be held by the end of the year.
Marine officials acknowledge the tensions, noting that members of the Anbar council have asked the Marines not to leave and have warned of increased violence if they depart.
In Baghdad, the U.S. military on Wednesday announced the death of another soldier after a bomb blast Tuesday in the northeastern part of the capital. The death brought to 4,148 the number of U.S. troops who have died in Iraq since the start of the war in March 2003, according to icasualties.org.
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peter.spiegel@latimes.com
tina.susman@latimes.com
Spiegel reported from Washington and Susman from Baghdad.
